Familiarity may breed contempt in some settings, but in the prescription world it often means a leg up on competing drugs. Such appears to be the case with Enbrel (etanercept), Amgen Inc.'s rheumatoid arthritis treatment approved in 1998.

Investors are likely to be all ears this week when Genentech Inc. hosts its annual meeting with stockholders. A recent earnings report and other news from the pioneering company - the industry's oldest, often cited by analysts as an example of what a biotechnology firm can be - seem certain to drum up even more interest than usual in the much-watched firm. (BioWorld Financial Watch)