Spanish Capital Cell was one of the first equity crowdfunding platforms that specialised in life sciences and biotech projects in Europe. In March, the group raised more than €1m through funding through the Spanish biotech campaign Bionure a new record. EuroBiotech talked to Capital Cell founder Daniel Oliver about their recent expansion into the UK and the development of the European life sciences crowdfunding scene.
Bayer has always been extremely supportive of the new Unitary Patent System (UPS) and has been one of the driving forces behind it within the German industry. However, the company will not be putting its full portfolio through the UPS and the Unified Patent Court (UPC).
Small companies and academic institutions develop their assets, in most cases, under budget constraints. Still, they have to meet the expectations of future strategic partners or investors in order to be an attractive option for them and to have a chance to get the product onto the market.
The decision of the European Patent Office to examine all patent applications within 12 months can unintentionally block companies from filing for life sciences patents in Europe, says Gavin Recchia, Principal of one of Australia’s largest patent attorneys’ firms.
The pharmaceutical industry of the European Union is currently toiling at a veritably Herculean task. They jointly took up the fight against falsified pharmaceuticals in the legal supply chain. Forgers have discovered that falsified drugs are a lucrative business. However, the EU legislature has recognised this risk, and responded by passing the Falsified Medicines Directive in 2011. In 2016, it was put in more concrete terms with the delegated regulation, which stipulates the implementation of the directive for prescription drugs.
Like every sector of the UK economy, life sciences has been beset with uncertainty since the country voted to leave the European Union. Last week prime minister Theresa May finally gave us some clarity on her plans for Brexit, which will allow us to prepare for the future.
The surprising election of Donald Trump as the next US President led to a spectacular comeback of biotech shares. The long-term prospects depend on Trump’s healthcare strategy and the (much-desired) return of generalist funds.