Author: Thomas Gardner

Biotech - The Impossible Dream?

In their Key Areas for Discussion in the living case for Bioalvo they raised the question - Is it possible to start a biotech company from scratch with no IP and no technology? more specifically what is the environment in general and specifically in Portugal? - To start the discussion I would like to say that this is a critical question that is not asked often enough by those pondering the startup of a Biotech company even when they DO have a technology and IP. The environment in the US for starting a new pharmaceutical, medical device, over-the-counter and/or support products company makes this one of the toughest industries to enter - period. And this is not just due to the regulatory issues - it is also one of the most competitive and crowded industries. So the question then becomes an examination of the new company’s overall strategy - strength - team - and also product. But it could be argued that the product - IP or technology - may be the least important of these. Obviously, it does not mean it is not critical.

Please comment and post your views - Tom Gardner