Icos

Icos Corporation was a biotechnology company founded in 1989 by George Rathmann, a pioneer in the industry, known for his role in the development of Amgen. Headquartered in Bothell, Washington, Icos focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutic proteins and monoclonal antibodies. The company's most notable achievement was the development of Tadalafil, marketed under the brand name Cialis, a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

History

Icos Corporation was established with the goal of becoming a leading player in the biotechnology sector, focusing on protein-based and antibody therapeutics. The company was initially funded by investments from technology and healthcare venture capital firms, which allowed it to rapidly advance its research and development efforts.

Throughout its history, Icos formed several strategic partnerships with larger pharmaceutical companies to support the development and distribution of its products. One of its most significant partnerships was with Eli Lilly and Company, which helped bring Cialis to the market. This collaboration was pivotal in establishing Icos's presence in the pharmaceutical industry.

Products and Research

The flagship product of Icos was Cialis (Tadalafil), which became one of the most prescribed medications for erectile dysfunction. Cialis works by inhibiting the enzyme PDE5, which is found in the smooth muscle cells lining the blood vessels supplying the corpus cavernosum to the penis. Its mechanism of action is similar to other ED treatments, but it offers a longer duration of action.

In addition to Cialis, Icos was involved in the research and development of various other therapeutic agents, including potential treatments for inflammatory diseases, cancer, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, many of these projects were still in the experimental phase at the time of the company's acquisition.

Acquisition by Eli Lilly

In January 2007, Eli Lilly and Company completed its acquisition of Icos Corporation for approximately $2.3 billion. This acquisition was aimed at fully integrating Cialis into Lilly's product portfolio and leveraging Icos's expertise in biotechnology to enhance its own research and development capabilities.

Legacy

Although Icos Corporation ceased to exist as an independent entity, its legacy lives on through Cialis, which continues to be a leading treatment for erectile dysfunction. The acquisition also served as a testament to the value of biotechnology companies in developing innovative therapies that address unmet medical needs.

See Also

• Biotechnology
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Eli Lilly and Company