San Francisco Biotechnology Firm Dealt Setback on Allergy, Asthma Drug.

Byline: Paul Jacobs

Jul. 11--In a setback for Genentech and its partners, the Food and Drug Administration has called for more safety information about a promising experimental drug called Xolair, the first in a new class of medications for treating allergies and asthma.

At best, the federal action announced Tuesday means a significant delay in marketing the new product, which the South San Francisco biotechnology company and its partners Novartis and Tanox were hoping to launch early next year.

Many a promising drug has run up against federal regulators, whose concern for safety has been heightened in recent years after several approved products …