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Gloria Meng Senior Scientist: Assay & Automation Technology |
"I joined Genentech in 1992. I have mainly worked on anti-VEGF, VEGF and anti-IgE projects. I found Genentech to have a very intellectually rich environment. I am very impressed by the consistency in excellency across the whole company. I have had the honor of contributing to the success of the anti-VEGF project. We measured activities of anti-VEGF variants in a receptor binding inhibition assay to identify a drug candidate. We also supported preclinical studies. Avastin was approved in 2004 and has helped many cancer patients. My lab also worked on the eye disease indication for anti-VEGF. We developed assays for vitreous and other samples to support preclinical studies, helping lead to approval of Lucentis in 2006. For the anti-IgE project, we developed assays to support preclinical studies. Since its approval in 2003, Xolair has helped many asthma patients to breath better."
Current Projects "We develop antibody, receptor and cell based assays to move early to late Research projects forward. The focus of my lab is mainly on developing assays for antibodies (assays for measuring relative binding affinities for antigens and Fc receptors, for measuring therapeutic antibodies in serum or plasma, for detecting anti-drug antibodies following drug administration, etc.) and developing ultra sensitive assays to measure endogenous proteins. For assay technology, we continue to expand the application of the high throughput electrochemiluminescence assay method, which we developed recently, for various cell-based assays."
Collaborations "We collaborate closely with Scientists in Research including Tumor Biology and Angiogenesis, Immunology and Antibody Engineering departments. We work with Scientists in Development Sciences for preclinical pharmacokinetic studies and to transfer assays when projects move into Development. I also have had opportunities to collaborate with outside investigators and publish manuscripts together."
Inspiration/Vision "I am always thankful for the opportunity to work with very inspiring and talented people to develop drugs, which help patients live longer and with a better quality of life. 'Together we make a difference'. With this vision in mind, I firmly believe in going the extra mile to develop the best drugs to help patients."