Roche Palo Alto
A rich tradition of research began in the early 1960s at the location that is now Roche Palo Alto. It was then that the biotechnology company Syntex established operations on this campus and became known worldwide for innovation in the synthesis of steroidal and non-steroidal compounds, the most recognizable being Aleve®, a naproxen sodium-based over-the-counter pain reliever and fast-acting form of the medicine Naprosyn® that has been a top-selling brand of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for many years.

Syntex scientists were world leaders in the research and development of corticosteroids to treat dermatological conditions. Additionally, work was done here on the synthesis of compounds leading to the development of oral contraceptives.

Roche acquired Syntex in 1994 and continued the tradition of innovative work. The following year, CellCept®, an immunosuppressant prescribed for the prevention of organ transplant rejection that was discovered at the Palo Alto site, was first introduced. In 1996, CellCept received the Dutch Galenus Prize for the most innovative medicine. CellCept is now a top performer within the Roche portfolio of products and has gained approval for kidney, heart and liver transplantation.

In 2001, Valcyte™, also discovered at the Palo Alto site, was introduced. Valcyte is used to preserve the eyesight of AIDS patients infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV), a herpes virus that destroys retinal cells and usually leads to blindness. It was the first oral agent available to treat the disease and is now under study for a variety of other indications and formulations.

Roche Palo Alto continues to focus on the important Disease Biology Areas of Inflammation and Virology, working to create new approaches to combat disease and help patients with significant unmet medical needs.


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