NAPSR news: Roche to Acquire Seragon Pharmaceuticals

WASHINGTON - July 3, 2014 - PRLog -- Roche made the official announcement on July 2, 2014 that Genentech, a subsidiary of the Roche Group, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Seragon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Seragon), a privately held biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, USA. Genentech will obtain all rights to Seragon’s portfolio investigational next-generation oral selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) specified for the impending treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

“This year, breast cancer will claim the lives of nearly 40,000 women in the United States, and up to half of these women will have a disease that is driven by the estrogen receptor,” said Richard Scheller, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Head of Genentech Research and Early Development. “We believe these investigational oral SERDs could one day redefine the standard of care for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.”

Genentech is expected to make upfront cash payment of $725 million, along with additional provisional payments of up to $1 billion based on the attainment of predetermined milestones. The closing transaction will be subject to customary closing conditions in accordance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. Once the transaction is complete which is expected in the third quarter of 2014- Genentech will acquire Seragon’s complete portfolio which will be included in the Genentech Research and Early Development Program.

Hormone Receptive breast cancer currently affects up to 60% of breast cancer patients which is dependent on the hormone estrogen and the estrogen receptor to grow and spread. Research scientists at Seragon have developed next generation selective ezstrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) to block estradiol action at the estrogen receptor and eliminating the estrogen receptor from the cell altogether. The dual acting SERDs is forseen to be a potentially effective method in treating hormone receptor-postive breast cancer, and other cancers that may be associated with the estrogen receptor.

These next-generation SERDs complement Genentech’s existing research and development programs in breast cancer.

Due to this acquisition, the development of this beneficial therapeutic breakthrough will certainly add an impactful boost to the oncology market sector. This will without a doubt bolster the need for both certified and qualified individuals to promote their diversified product portfolio. When industry leaders look for new candidates for sales/marketing positions, they look toward individuals that are industry trained. Companies are looking for people that have the background to sell their product both proficiently and efficiently.

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The CNPR is a federally trademarked certification you can earn by demonstrating the necessary knowledge in pharmacology, medical terminology, physiology, and regulations for selling pharmaceuticals. The CNPR examination is dedicated to increasing the professional level of NAPSR members and to developing meaningful and ethical standards fully accepted by both its members and members of the pharmaceutical community.

The CNPR® Program represents a level of industry achievement and a demonstrated knowledge of pharmacology, medical terminology, pharmaceutical selling guidelines, physician selling techniques and industry standards. Pharmaceutical sales candidates who have this training will differentiate themselves from other individuals looking for open positions. Upon successful completion of the training each student will receive the Certification Mark of the CNPR®. CNPR® graduates should immediately utilize the NAPSRx® Career Center to apply for pharmaceutical sales positions.

Individuals that are interested in becoming a Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative (CNPR) can contact the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives(NAPSRx) for more information.