Genentech

Genentech's story began in 1976, sparked by a meeting that was only supposed to last ten minutes but stretched into three hours. Venture capitalist Robert A. Swanson and biochemist Dr. Herbert W. Boyer met to discuss a revolutionary idea: using recombinant DNA technology to create beneficial medicines. This meeting marked the birth of the biotechnology industry. What started as a bold vision in a rented corner of a warehouse in South San Francisco has grown into a global leader in biotechnology.

In the early days, the company achieved a series of scientific firsts, including the production of the first human protein in a microorganism (somatostatin) and the first recombinant DNA drug (human insulin). These breakthroughs proved that genetic engineering could be used to manufacture medicines, fundamentally changing the landscape of healthcare. Over the decades, Genentech has continued to pioneer scientific discovery, developing the first targeted antibody for cancer and treatments for conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis to blindness.

In 2009, Genentech became a member of the Roche Group, combining its agile, science-driven culture with the global reach of a major pharmaceutical company. Today, Genentech remains headquartered in South San Francisco, maintaining its 'startup' spirit while employing thousands of people dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases.