# How Genentech's Antibody Targets Cancerous B Cells

> This patent describes a specific humanized antibody designed to bind to a protein called CD79b, which is found on the surface of certain cancer cells.

- **Patent:** US 9845355
- **Original title:** Humanized anti-CD79b antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of use
- **Owner:** Genentech Inc
- **Granted:** 2017
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 13
- **Field:** biotech, pharmaceutical

## What it does

The patent claims a specific molecular structure for an antibody that targets the CD79b protein. Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins that the immune system uses to identify foreign objects. By defining precise amino acid sequences for the hypervariable regions (the parts of the antibody that 'grab' onto a target), this patent creates a highly specific key for the CD79b lock. When these antibodies bind to CD79b on the surface of B cells, they can be used to tag those cells for destruction, particularly in patients with B-cell cancers like lymphoma or leukemia.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover antibodies that use different amino acid sequences for the hypervariable regions defined in claim 1.
- Does not cover general methods for creating humanized antibodies that do not utilize the specific sequences listed.
- Does not cover targeting proteins other than CD79b.
- Does not cover the use of these antibodies for non-medical or non-diagnostic purposes.

## The clever bit

The patent identifies a very specific epitope (the exact spot on the CD79b protein) that allows the antibody to bind effectively even when the protein is expressed on the surface of a living B cell, which is often difficult due to the cell's complex environment.

## Real-world examples

1. Polatuzumab vedotin (Polivy) used for treating diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

## Why it matters

CD79b is a critical marker for B-cell malignancies. This patent provides the intellectual property foundation for targeted therapies, such as antibody-drug conjugates, which deliver toxic payloads directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. It is a key component of Genentech's oncology portfolio, specifically supporting the development of drugs like Polatuzumab vedotin (Polivy).

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How Genentech's Antibody Targets Cancerous B Cells cover?

This patent describes a specific humanized antibody designed to bind to a protein called CD79b, which is found on the surface of certain cancer cells.

### Who owns patent US 9845355?

Genentech Inc owns this patent, granted in 2017.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on December 19, 2037, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 9845355 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 13 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

CD79b is a critical marker for B-cell malignancies. This patent provides the intellectual property foundation for targeted therapies, such as antibody-drug conjugates, which deliver toxic payloads directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. It is a key component of Genentech's oncology portfolio, specifically supporting the development of drugs like Polatuzumab vedotin (Polivy).

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover antibodies that use different amino acid sequences for the hypervariable regions defined in claim 1.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9845355/tecentriq-atezolizumab

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US9845355

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._