
Sourcing the best science
- Patrick Speedie Chief Business Officer @ Inpart
- Nathan Lawless Director of External Innovation @ CSL
- Laurent Jacqueroud Business Development and Investment Director @ Cumulus Oncology
This session featured presentations on best practices for sourcing early and late-stage science, the value of maintaining strong relationships, and tailored approaches to keeping diverse partners satisfied. It also reviewed the latest digital tools for optimal sourcing and building a global reputation for partnering.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Patrick Speedie, CBO @ Inpart
- - Why Inpart is interested in external innovation
- - Activating the right science networks
- Nathan Lawless, Director of External Innovation @ CSL
- - CSL’s RAI program
- - Core therapeutic areas
- - Benefits of collaborating with CS
- Laurent Jacqueroud, Business Development and Investment Director @ Cumulus Oncology
- - Cumulus: An alternative biotech paradigm
- - Portfolio overview
- - Sourcing by VC or Pharma
- Audience Q&A discussion
- - Q&A
Key talking points
Patrick Speedie
Activating Science Networks
Patrick set the stage by explaining Inpart’s approach to sourcing the best science through a combination of activating personal networks and leveraging external resources, such as partnering conferences. He highlighted how these strategies, combined with robust operational processes, enable companies to move from discovery (“A”) to development (“Z”).
Leveraging Technology for Precision Partnering
He shared his involvement in developing Inpart’s matching algorithms and natural language processing tools, which are designed to facilitate targeted connections between academics, universities, and biotechs with pharma companies. Patrick emphasized quality over quantity in these partnerships.
New Tools for Visibility and Engagement
Patrick introduced new Inpart tools including Connect Enterprise, which aims to streamline how companies share their scientific interests and discover novel assets.
Nathan Lawless
Driving Early Innovation at CSL
Nathan discussed CSL’s Research Acceleration Initiative Program, which focuses on supporting preclinical research by funding projects at an early stage. His role involves identifying promising research projects, often at a point where only in vitro data exists, and providing funding to help push these projects toward in vivo validation.
Building Strategic Academic Relationships
Nathan has been instrumental in fostering relationships with researchers who exhibit an entrepreneurial mindset. He works closely with CSL’s therapeutic area leaders to ensure the funded projects align with strategic needs, focusing on areas where CSL can offer the most value, such as plasma fractionation, gene therapy, and vaccines.
Transparency in Program Priorities
He emphasized CSL’s approach of being transparent with academic partners about their areas of interest and strategic priorities. This approach helps researchers tailor their proposals to meet CSL’s needs, making the collaboration more targeted and efficient.
Laurent Jacqueroud
Adopting a Venture Builder Model at Cumulus
Laurent described how Cumulus operates differently by acting as a venture builder, sourcing assets from universities and biotech companies, and conducting validation experiments before spinning out projects into new companies. His personal involvement includes setting stringent criteria for asset maturity to avoid prolonging projects that lack promise.
De-Risking Investments Through Diversification
He explained how Cumulus mitigates risk by holding stakes across multiple new ventures. This approach provides a safety net for investors, ensuring that even if one company fails, others in the portfolio can still offer returns.
Collaborating for Structural Insights
Laurent shared an example of a partnership with a Swiss company specializing in cryo-electron microscopy, which allowed Cumulus to obtain unique structural data for a GPR68 inhibitor. He emphasized that such collaborations enhance the company’s ability to pursue innovative therapeutic targets.
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