Genentech aiming to be number one by 2010

Genentech has set out its long-range strategy, in a document called Horizon 2010.

Building on the company's ongoing 5x5 plan, which lasts through to 2005, it outlined the vision and goals for continuing to create sustainable, long-term growth in stockholder value through to 2010. In addition, the company provided investors with an overview of recent developments, including highlights from its extensive research, development, manufacturing and commercial efforts.

'Genentech has developed a comprehensive plan for the rest of the decade, which positions us to provide sound and consistent growth for the future,' said ceo Dr Arthur Levinson. 'Translating science into successful product development and commercialisation takes significant effort and planning throughout all areas of the company.'

Genentech's vision is to become a leader in revolutionising the treatment of patients with cancer, immunological diseases and angiogenic disorders. Horizon 2010 includes the following specific goals:

•to become the number one US oncology company in sales by 2010.

•to position itself for continued leadership in its oncology franchise by bringing five new oncology products or indications for existing products into clinical development and into the market.

•to build a leading immunology franchise by expanding the fundamental understanding of immune disorders, bringing at least five new immunology products or indications into clinical development, and obtaining FDA approval of at least five new indications or products by 2010.

•to increase its leadership in developing biotherapeutics for disorders of tissue growth and repair, with a major focus on angiogenic disorders, and to move at least three new projects into late-stage research or developmental research and three or more new projects into clinical development by 2010.

Genentech informed investors it will be focusing on the recent multiple product launches of Avastin (bevacizumab), Raptiva (efalizumab) and Xolair (omalizumab), as well as potential future launches of new indications and/or products, which will contribute to delivering the near-term and Horizon 2010 goals.

Rituxan is the number one antitumour product in the US and the number two antitumour product in the world (in terms of sales). Herceptin (trastuzumab) is the number seven antitumour product in the US and number nine in the world.

The company said its future sales growth would be dependent on increasing market penetration for labelled indications and developing new markets for its existing products, as well as commercialising potential new therapies in oncology, immunological disease, vascular medicine and other areas of high unmet need.

'Genentech's disciplined, scientific approach to commercialising our products has allowed us to launch three new products in nine months, while continuing to grow our established products,' said Myrtle Potter, president, commercial operations.