About Biopharma
A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Promise
In 2005, Schering-Plough Corporation solidified its historic commitment to the development of biologics by combining its two research sites in California to form Schering-Plough Biopharma in Palo Alto, an integrated part of Schering-Plough Research Institute (SPRI). The laboratories of Canji, Inc., in San Diego, acquired in 1996, and Palo Alto-based DNAX Research Institute, acquired in 1982, joined together to focus resources on the discovery of novel monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic proteins. Together, these teams harness their strengths in inflammation and oncology research to move important biologic products into the clinic.
Built on a core facility model, Schering-Plough Biopharma’s R&D operations are fully integrated with Schering-Plough’s core pharmaceutical research and development organization to help assure a seamless and efficient overall product flow process.
Mission - Focused on the Patient
At Schering-Plough Biopharma, science is driven by the excitement of linking discovery to novel drugs. As an innovative drug discovery enterprise, we are leveraging our strengths in immunology and oncology research to move important therapeutic candidates into the clinic. Backed by the powerful resources of Schering-Plough Corporation, we have the infrastructure and reach to succeed globally. Our people are the finest in the industry. Focused on the needs of the patient, they are passionate about the work they do. Together, the staff at Schering-Plough Biopharma shares one vision: to translate high quality science into new medicines and greater possibilities for humanity.
History - A Legacy of Scientific Excellence
Schering-Plough Biopharma’s legacy of scientific excellence, exemplified by a record of more than 25 years of research breakthroughs and outstanding publications in leading scientific journals, underscores Schering-Plough’s commitment to building a new model for developing biologics within the context of a large pharmaceutical company.
DNAX was founded by legendary innovators. Applying molecular biology techniques to advance the understanding of cellular processes in health and disease, these men and women helped create the academic atmosphere of DNAX. In 1982, Schering-Plough Corporation acquired DNAX to enhance its capabilities and support the development of marketable products originating at the institute.
Canji, Inc., a leading biotechnology company at the forefront of developing innovative therapeutics based on tumor suppressor genes, cell-cycle regulators and growth modulators, was acquired by Schering-Plough in 1996.
Future - Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs—Now
Our key growth area is the development of biologic therapeutics. We are expanding our research in the areas of cancer biology and inflammatory diseases and the design of novel approaches to control these diseases. We have also initiated efforts to identify biomarkers of disease to enable us to study subsets of patients and track responses to experimental treatments.
Building upon the long history of pioneering research and development at DNAX and Canji, we are mounting a closely integrated effort within Schering-Plough to develop biologics and small molecules in parallel and thus blur the distinction between “biotech” and “Big Pharma.” Schering-Plough Biopharma is the center for biologics research for the entire company. Our goal is to translate our understanding of fundamental disease processes into innovative medicines to serve human needs. To accomplish this, we will continue to strive with the outstanding scientific integrity and rigorous discipline that have always been our hallmarks. Our abiding commitment is to identify novel approaches in drug discovery, while building core competencies and intellectual property in our R&D areas.
Our Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is integral to our scientific mission and the promise of our expanding pipeline. This is where many early discoveries will be developed to become the future medicines of Schering-Plough.
In 2005, DNAX and Canji, Schering-Plough’s two West Coast research facilities, joined to create Schering-Plough Biopharma. The new unit, based in Palo Alto, Calif., continues to leverage the deep research expertise of DNAX and Canji, while enjoying the multidisciplinary strengths and worldwide reach of Schering-Plough.
