Our Story
Our story is one of dedication to patients and scientific excellence. Throughout nearly three decades, we’ve evolved into a multi-platform cancer company. Today, we are innovating with both small molecules and biotherapeutics to build a diversified portfolio of cancer treatments that give patients hope for the future.
Building a legacy of excellence in oncology innovation
The Exelixis story began in 1994 when our prominent team of founding scientists set out to use model system genetics as a means to systematize drug discovery. This vision ultimately resulted in our flagship commercial product, CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib), and set us up on our journey to discover and develop next-generation cancer treatments, driven by our relentless pursuit of results for the patients we serve. We’ve redefined the role of small molecule therapeutics – alone and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors – working with clinicians to try to set new standards of care for multiple cancer types. These efforts, combined with our development and commercialization partnerships across the globe, extend our reach and impact to more patients.
Our name and journey
Exelixis is derived from Exelixi, the Greek word for evolution – an apt name reflecting the company’s growth from a functional genomics startup to a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company that has learned to adapt, survive and thrive.
An apt name
The founders of Exelixis envisioned using model systems genetics and genomics as a platform to unlock gene function, identifying and validating promising new drug targets. The company refined its focus as it moved into drug discovery.
A high-stakes bet
Exelixis focused on its most promising compound, subsequently gaining approval in several therapeutic areas, including one in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor.
A growing pipeline
Exelixis’ unique approach to drug discovery has led to an expanded pipeline of innovative small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates and other biotherapeutics – and expanded clinical development capabilities.
A focus on partnerships
Exelixis extends its impact through strategic collaborations across drug discovery, development and commercialization, building on our long history of productive partnerships to move our molecules and business forward.
A look ahead
The future of cancer care will be determined by the role of new chemical entities and combination regimens. Exelixis’ medicines are advancing the company’s mission to help cancer patients recover stronger and live longer.
Reinvesting to give more patients hope
We take a comprehensive approach to treating cancer that harnesses decades of robust investment and partnerships, rigorously assessing assets through all stages of development and only advancing programs that meet our high bar. Fueled by the commercial success of CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib), we have invested in a very disciplined manner in our early-stage pipeline to fuel long-term growth. This has enabled us to build a clinically differentiated pipeline of small molecules and biotherapeutics, including antibody-drug conjugates, to target an expanding range of tumor types using multiple modalities and mechanisms of action.
Expanding for the future
To meet the needs of a multi-compound product portfolio and global business, we continue to scale our organizational and operational capacity across all functions. Over the past several years, we have expanded our corporate headquarters and enhanced our state-of-the-art laboratories at our Bay Area campus. We have established an East Coast presence to complement our extensive West Coast discovery and development capabilities. Our growth also includes expanding our experienced field-based team to ensure physicians and patients have access to our treatments. These commitments lay the groundwork for future growth outside the U.S., enabling us to deliver faster on behalf of patients on a global scale.