PDL

If your body starts fighting you, PDL BioPharma hopes to help you fight back. The company's antibody (protein) humanization technology makes it possible to alter mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for use in human therapies, such as preventing and treating autoimmune diseases and cancer. The firm has licensed its technology to such companies as Genentech for therapies including Genentech's best-selling breast-cancer treatment MAb Herceptin. PDL derives nearly all of its revenues from royalties from products including Genentech's Herceptin and Avastin and Elan's Tysabri.