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Genentech: The Beginnings of Biotech

Sally Smith Hughes

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  • Patrick CollisonNamed among favorite computing and Silicon Valley histories
    Collison calls Hughes’s book the definitive Genentech history on his own Silicon Valley history page. His edition is unknown.
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Summary

Sally Smith Hughes traces Genentech’s creation and early development using interviews and historical records. Her account connects the science of recombinant DNA with the formation of a company, commercial research agreements and the need to build staff and facilities.

Chapters follow the insulin and growth-hormone programs, the relationship with Eli Lilly, scaling, company culture and the approach to an initial public offering. The history treats commercial, legal and scientific choices as parts of the same venture.

  • SourceChecked publisher or author source · Description and contents: founding, business plan, research agreements, Lilly contract, scaling, company culture and IPO

Why read it Our view

Study how a research venture becomes a company through agreements, facilities, staffing, production and financing.