# 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 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How Genentech Created Antibodies to Target Prostate Cancer Cells](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/6824780/avastin-dosing) — A patent describing specific antibodies that latch onto and kill cancer cells expressing the PSCA protein, effectively turning the body's immune-targeting tools into cancer-fighting weapons. - [Using Radioactive Antibodies to Treat B-Cell Lymphoma](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5595721/pcr-thermal-cycler) — A method for treating B-cell lymphoma by using radioactive antibodies to target cancer cells without destroying the patient's bone marrow. - [How Roche Engineers Antibodies to Target Two Different Diseases Simultaneously](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10138293/opdivo-nivolumab) — A method for creating a custom-engineered antibody that can grab onto two different targets at once, designed to help the immune system fight complex diseases. - [How to Redesign Mouse Antibodies for Safe Use in Humans](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/6054297/rituxan-chop-chemotherapy) — Genentech's 1995 patent on a systematic method for humanizing rodent antibodies by grafting their disease-targeting loops onto a human consensus framework while carefully swapping key structural support residues to maintain binding strength. - [How Genentech Engineered Antibodies to Starve Tumors of Blood](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/7169901/avastin-bevacizumab) — A 2007 Genentech patent describing specific lab-made antibodies that block a protein called VEGF, which tumors use to grow new blood vessels.