Article: Xoma, Genentech can celebrate Approval of psoriasis drug Raptiva could generate $1 billion in annual sales

BERKELEY -- After 22 years, Berkeley biotechnology firm Xoma Ltd. got the breakthrough news it has waited for: It received U.S. approval Monday for its first drug to market, Raptiva for treating psoriasis, a chronic skin disease.

Raptiva is expected to be a big drug, boosting the financial profile of money-losing Xoma and its profitable partner, Genentech of South San Francisco.

Analysts say Raptiva may eventually generate annual revenue of $500 million to $1 billion. Under the Genentech partnership, Xoma will get 25 percent of U.S. operating profits from Raptiva and a royalty on international sales.

"Everything is looking up," Xoma Chief Executive Jack Castello said.

Over the years, ...

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