Tanox

Tanox

File:Tanox-logo.PNG

Tanox logo

Tanox, Inc. was a biopharmaceutical company that focused on the discovery and development of innovative therapeutic antibodies to address significant unmet medical needs in the treatment of immune-mediated diseases, inflammation, infectious disease, and cancer. The company was founded in 1986 and was headquartered in Houston, Texas.

History

Tanox was established by Dr. Nancy Chang and Dr. David Anderson. The company gained prominence for its work in the field of monoclonal antibodies, particularly in the development of treatments for allergic diseases.

In 2007, Tanox was acquired by Genentech, a leading biotechnology company, which is now part of Roche. This acquisition was part of Genentech's strategy to expand its portfolio of antibody-based therapies.

Key Developments

One of Tanox's most notable achievements was the development of omalizumab, marketed under the brand name Xolair. Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets immunoglobulin E (IgE) and is used in the treatment of moderate to severe asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria.

The development of omalizumab was a collaborative effort between Tanox, Genentech, and Novartis. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 and has since become a significant therapeutic option for patients with severe allergic asthma.

Research and Development

Tanox was involved in various research projects aimed at developing novel therapies for a range of diseases. The company's research focused on the use of monoclonal antibodies to modulate the immune system and treat conditions such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases.

Acquisition and Legacy

The acquisition of Tanox by Genentech allowed for the integration of Tanox's innovative research and development capabilities into Genentech's broader portfolio. This acquisition also facilitated the continued development and commercialization of omalizumab and other potential therapies.

Tanox's legacy lies in its pioneering work in the field of monoclonal antibodies and its contribution to the development of therapies that have improved the quality of life for patients with severe allergic conditions.

Related pages

• Genentech
• Monoclonal antibody
• Omalizumab
• Biopharmaceutical