Roche Adds Antibody Discovery Platform With THP Acquisition

Roche has expanded its preclinical drug-discovery platforms with a $56.5 million acquisition of Therapeutic Human Polyclonals (THP), the Swiss drugmaker said.

The acquisition is effective immediately and will integrate THP's Penzberg, Germany, employees into Roche's Penzberg-based Center of Excellence for Protein Research operation. THP's Mountain View, Calif., office will be closed.

A Roche official said that the acquisition complements the firm's drug-discovery efforts for both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. When asked if the platform will be applied to Roche's current products in clinical testing, the official said the technology has a lot of potential for widespread application to antibodies in general.

"THP has developed a unique transgenic mammalian platform to create human antibodies. The technology will enable the generation of both monoclonal and polyclonal antibody therapeutics with enhanced efficacy," Roche said.

The acquisition is in line with Roche's strategy to engage firms that complement its existing pipeline, the company said, adding that smaller firms focused on oncology, virology, the central nervous system, inflammation and metabolic diseases are attractive candidates for potential acquisitions, partnerships or licensing agreements.

Partnered with Genentech and Biogen Idec, Roche is currently planning a 2010 submission for anti-CD20 antibody ocrelizumab, currently in Phase III trials for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.