Financing In Life Sciences Biotech Companies

Seminar paper from the year 2006 in the subject Business economics - Investment and Finance, grade: 1,3, Pforzheim University, course: Corporate Finance, 25 entries in the bibliography, language: English, abstract: Biotechnology is a more and more important field of research in present. Publicly we are currently confronted with many questions about the rights and wrongs within this field of science, like how to handle the issue of gene manipulation or stem cell research. However, biotechnology is more than just an accumulation of ethical questions and science - it is a whole industry and as such interesting for investors. The scope of this paper is not dealing with the topics discussed in glossy magazines, but it addresses the issues of corporate finance in biotechnology. In order to get an overview of the industry from a finance point of view, the industry has to be portrayed. Hence, this is the topic of chapter two. From the point of the investors, and therefore of the capital markets, the understandability of the segment biotechnology, and thus the availability of crucial information has to be ensured. Consequently the transparency of the biotechnology segment and of the individual enterprises, respectively, are the topics of the third chapter. The implications of this chapter have a strong impact on the valuation of biotechnological companies and the sector as a whole - a subject dealt with in chapter number four. The fifth chapter is concerned with the core topic of this paper and identifies and analyses different sources of finance for biotechnology enterprises. Thereby it is taking the point of view of the biotechnology firms and the potential investors. The paper is showing important difficulties and advantages connected with the different approaches. Additionally the chapter also describes and evaluates the risks of different options of investors. The paper is concluded with a summary of the findings in chapter six showing that investing into biotechno

"The biotech industry is a complex, rapidly evolving, and critical industry. The industry holds great commercial and societal promise, but it is also filled with hype, confusion, and risks. Bergeron and Chan do a remarkable job of providing a sweeping insightful, and probing assessment of the current state and likely evolution of this global industry. This book is essential reading for the executive who desires a thorough understanding of this business and its potential."--John P. Glasser, Vice President and Chief Information Offers, Partners Healthcare System, Inc. "Bergeron and Chan have done a marvelous job integrating many different perspectives to give the reader a coherent road map of the biotech industry for the next decade. This powerful book is anchored by numerous relevant examples that create a framework which any life sciences professional needs to understand. Of particular note is the compelling assessment of the IT industry and its impact on the life sciences as these industries converge."--Michael A. Greeley, Managing General Partner, IDG Ventures. An in-depth examination of the growth and financing of the biotechnology industry worldwide Biotech Industry: A Global, Economic, and Financing Overview provides a thorough look at the current state of the biotechnology industry, including where major research is being conducted, where it's being applied, and where money and intellectual capital are flowing. Written by a renowned business columnist and an entrepreneurial scientist in the biotech area, this unique book gives Eos and other senior-level managers an understanding of Asia's pivotal role in the worldwide success of biotechnology commercialization, as well as insight into the biotech market over the next decade.

Based on interviews with successful biotech entrepreneurs and high-level investors as well as case studies, this title provides a comprehensive overview of current trends in biotech funding. In particular, it illustrates the tensions between both sides based on their different backgrounds and expectations. The book outlines the various funding opportunities for the biotech industry and identifies ways for both sides to overcome their existing prejudices in order to successfully thrive in a competitive environment. A must-have for biotech entrepreneurs and investors, as well as invaluable supplementary reading for students aspiring to a career in the industry.

The first book to provide a simple and practical means of valuing biotech companies The book begins with a short history of the biotechnology industry; this is important as although it is about 30 years old, the first company went public only in 1996, so it is possible to plot the course of investment waves and dips It examines the European industry and its evolvement, and draws parallels between the similarities and differences between that and the US Looks at the various companies which make up the biotech industry (therapeutic; life sciences; and the medical technology company) and gives tools for the investor to properly evaluate them Praise for Biotechnology Valuation "Keegan states that the valuation of Biotech companies is as much an art as a science. This brief but comprehensive review of the skills and knowledge required, not of just the financial market and sentiment, but also of the technical attributes of a company and the drug development and regulatory hurdles that must be overcome, highlights the importance of the breadth of understanding required. Biotech investing is not for the timid, but it can bring substantial returns. Keegan's book, punctuated with his personal experience and opinions, is a good place to start." —Chris Blackwell, Chief Executive, Vectura Group plc "A user-friendly, yet thorough discussion of a notoriously difficult topic. Dr Keegan's book is a fine resource for both business types and academicians." —Steve Winokur, Managing Director, CanaccordAdams "A highly readable and comprehensive explanation of the technical and commercial parameters that influence biotechnology companies at all stages of development, providing clear context for selection from the toolkit of valuation methodologies the author recommends to assess company and product performance, or ascribe value." —Dr L.M. Allan, Director, Bioscience Enterprise Programme, University of Cambridge "A fabulous approach to a difficult topic." —Deirdre Y. Gillespie, MD, President & CEO, La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company

Managing directors and partners from ten of the nation's leading VC firms on spotting the best investments in life sciences.

This invaluable book tells the reader how to invest in the healthcare biotechnology and life sciences sector, one of the fast-growing sectors of the US economy. Aimed at biotech investors as well as bioentrepreneurs and venture capitalists, it has been written from the perspectives of risk management and asset management/allocation. It strives to teach readers how to fish, rather than giving them fish. The author has over ten years of Wall Street experience in biotech research, investment banking and asset management. He holds an MBA in Finance and a PhD in Biochemistry.

Most books on the biotechnology industry focus on scientific and technological challenges, ignoring the entrepreneurial and managerial complexities faced bio-entrepreneurs. The Business Models for Life Science Firms aims to fill this gap by offering managers in this rapid growth industry the tools needed to design and implement an effective business model customized for the unique needs of research intensive organizations. Onetti and Zucchella begin by unpacking the often-used ‘business model’ term, examining key elements of business model conceptualization and offering a three tier approach with a clear separation between the business model and strategy: focus, exploring the different activities carried out by the organization; locus, evaluating where organizational activities are centered; and modus, testing the execution of the organization’s activities. The business model thus defines the unique way in which a company delivers on its promise to its customers. The theory and applications adopt a global approach, offering business cases from a variety of biotech companies around the world.

This practice-orientated guide provides comprehensive background knowledge for promoters of firms and all others involved in the sphere of biotechnology. Internationally acting professionals deal with subjects from business plan, financing/funding, site selection, patent portfolio, co-operations to long-term perspectives of how to prevail in the market. In a final chapter several promoters of firms report about their personal experiences. Apart from promoters of firms this book has also been written for educational organizations (universities), regulatory authorities, consulting firms, technology transfer centers, bio-science parks and financing/funding organizations or persons (banks, venture capital providers, other financiers). Book jacket.