A private equity firm and investment fund utilizing the virtual pharma (‘asset-centric’) model invests in early stage pharmaceutical assets (i.e., small molecules and biologics, including cell or gene therapies), and provides up to $25 million, or more, to fund each project, typically through Phase 2 clinical proof-of-concept, before exiting through sales of successful assets to major pharmaceutical companies.
The firm prefers to in-license or acquire individual pharmaceutical assets through innovative deal structures that keep the founders and company involved and leading the development of their assets, and is less likely to make traditional equity investments in companies. Ideal candidates have yet to receive significant VC funding, and the firm prefers to invest without typical syndicates. The firm integrates each company’s founders and their asset(s) into its own special purpose vehicle and collaborates closely with them — providing broad and deep drug development expertise and resources to maximize product value. The firm invests in projects around the globe and aims to maintain a portfolio of 15-20 high quality investments.
The firm seeks biopharmaceutical drug assets — small molecules, biologics, and cell or gene therapies. The firm is willing to invest in drug candidates that are up to 12-18 months pre-IND, as well as those that are in, or have completed, Phase I clinical trial(s). Ideal candidates are ‘IND-ready’, patent-protected in all major pharma markets, and represent both potential solutions to unmet medical need and significant market potential. The firm is open to all therapeutic areas and indications for which proof-of-concept can be evaluated in early clinical trials.
The firm is looking to partner with founders and associates with a deep understanding of the science and pharmacology underlying their product, and who are willing to operate in a highly collaborative, virtual and global environment. Such willingness to collaborate is essential because the firm acts as a hands-on investor and partner — contributing its extensive drug development expertise and operational resources to each company’s asset(s) to ensure that all assets are developed in the most efficient and effective manner, with a particular focus on early development de-risking.
If you are interested in more information about this investor and other investors tracked by LSN, please email mandates@lifesciencenation.com.
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