Human Genome Sciences

Human Genome Sciences (nasdaq: HGSI) is a biopharmaceutical corporation founded in 1992. It uses the human DNA sequence to develop protein and antibody drugs. As of 2008, it has drugs under development to treat such diseases as hepatitis C, systemic lupus erythmatosis, anthrax disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and HIV/AIDS. It collaborates with other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, for development partnerships and licensing.

Benlysta (belimumab) received U.S. Food and Regulatory Administration approval for use in lupus in March 2011. Belimumab is being developed with Glaxo SmithKline, Abthrax (raxibacumab) for anthrax disease is the subject of a contract with the US Government under Project BioShield. Development of Albuferon (albinterferon) for Hepatitis C has been discontinued after fatalities during early testing.

The company was founded by William A. Haseltine, a noted Harvard professor and AIDS researcher. HGS had a partnership for several years after its founding with Craig Venter and his non-profit TIGR to begin sequencing and submitting patents on hundreds of thousands of protein-encoding DNA fragments. In 2000, Haseltine said that his work "speeds up biological discovery a hundredfold, easily." He talked of finding in genes "the fountain of youth" in the form of "cellular replacement" therapies. More than $2 billion in investments was raised by the company by 1999-2000. Two initial drugs failed in clinical trials, and the stock share price declined from its highs. For example, in September 2000, the company reported that it had found a way to treat large, painful sores that often plague elderly patients, using a protein spray called repifermin, made by a human gene called keratinocyte growth factor-2. In February 2004, the company said that it was ending the development of repifermin because it showed no more benefit than a placebo in clinical trials.

In late 2004, HGS announced Haseltine's retirement and named H. Thomas Watkins the new President and CEO.

Its facilities in Rockville, Maryland earned its architect&mdash;Davis Carter Scott, Ltd.&mdash;an award from the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties. The Association cited the glass walls, atrium, and uniform design of all the buildings as reasons for the award.