In July 2006, Roche and Actelion entered into an exclusive worldwide collaboration to jointly develop and commercialize Actelion’s phase I compound, ACTS1P1, for multiple autoimmune disorders.

Actelion's efforts in the field of selective S1P1 receptor agonist started in 1999 by focusing on receptors found on the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels. The results of these research efforts are Actelion’s orally active, selective S1P1 receptor agonist currently undergoing phase I safety and tolerability testing.

For more information:
S1P1 Agonist in Clinical Development
Autoimmune Disorder Collaboration
S1P1 Agonist Press Release

Roche and Isotechnika Inc. have established an agreement whereby Roche will have the right to opt-in to the development and commercialization of ISA247, a novel calcineurin inhibitor, for all transplant indications at the completion of renal phase II trials.

Isotechnika is evaluating ISA247 in Phase II clinical studies for the prevention of organ rejection following kidney transplantation.

For more information:
www.isotechnika.com/in_development/isa247/what/

Roche has R&D agreements and strategic alliances with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests in Genentech. Currently, Genentech is evaluating immunomodulatory drugs for the treatment of immunomediated and inflammatory disorders.

Humanized anti-CD20 works by binding to a particular protein on the surface of normal and malignant B-cells. B-cells may act at multiple sites in the autoimmune/inflammatory process, including through production of rheumatoid factor (RF) and other auto-antibodies, antigen presentation, T-cell activation, and/or pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

Currently, humanized anti-CD20 is being investigated in autoimmune disease and is also being evaluated for future use in transplantation.