Tanox

Tanox was an American biopharmaceutical company that specialized in the discovery and development of monoclonal antibodies. The company was founded in 1986 by Nancy T. Chang and Tse Wen Chang, and was based in Houston, Texas. Tanox was known for its work in the field of immunology and was one of the first companies to develop a monoclonal antibody therapy for the treatment of allergies and asthma.

History

Tanox was founded in 1986 by Nancy T. Chang and Tse Wen Chang, both of whom had backgrounds in molecular biology and immunology. The company was initially focused on the development of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of allergies and asthma. In 1996, Tanox partnered with Novartis and Genentech to develop a monoclonal antibody therapy for allergic asthma, which resulted in the creation of Xolair (omalizumab).

In 2007, Tanox was acquired by Genentech for approximately $919 million. Following the acquisition, Genentech continued the development of Tanox's drug pipeline, which included potential treatments for HIV, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

Research and Development

Tanox's research and development efforts were primarily focused on the discovery and development of monoclonal antibodies. The company's most notable achievement was the development of Xolair, a monoclonal antibody therapy for allergic asthma. Xolair works by binding to and neutralizing IgE antibodies, which are responsible for triggering allergic reactions.

In addition to Xolair, Tanox also developed TNX-355, a monoclonal antibody for the treatment of HIV. TNX-355 works by blocking the entry of HIV into T cells, thereby preventing the virus from replicating and spreading.

Legacy

Tanox's legacy lies in its pioneering work in the field of monoclonal antibody therapy. The company's development of Xolair marked a significant advancement in the treatment of allergies and asthma, and its research into HIV treatments contributed to the understanding of the disease's mechanisms.