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WITHOUT PATENTS, BIOPHARMA COMPANIES CANNOT GET FUNDING. Without the significant amount of work needed behind every therapeutic product, DNA based Rx innovations would never get off the ground. No IP, no therapeutic innovation. That simple. The enormous costs demand IP protection for the innovator. The arguments for restricting patenting of human DNA must bear this key issue in mind. The so-called genetic freedom is a fuzzy concept with very negative consequences. http://lnkd.in/8ZzNKT View in LinkedIn

AN EXCELLENT REVIEW OF THE BIOTECH-PHARMA RELATIONSHIP TODAY, where it is clearly more efficient for Big Pharma to make early deals on SME biopharma products, and to focus on the expensive late stages of gaining approval and ultimately, marketing. This whole dynamic, however, has been confounded by the pull-back of VCs from funding early biotech, and the simultaneous effects of the Crisis. No clear answer in sight, except perhaps the serious pain Big Pharma is experiencing as it tries to reinvent itself, opening new possibilities. http://lnkd.in/62mN2K View in LinkedIn

VERIZON'S POWERFUL ANSWERS COMPETITION seeking and rewarding with cash innovative ideas worldwide, is a smart way to get ideas from outside of the silo. Internal R&D in big organizations cannot help but be driven top-down and have annual targets to measure these mandates. I have long argued for the benefits of Skunk Works, but this bold initiative sounds promising. It is the ultimate development in back-loaded rewards for unpaid external consultants. http://m.networkworld.com/news/2013/040313-verizon39s-10-million-new-ideas-contest-268375.html#mobify-bookmark View in LinkedIn

A MENTOR CAN OFFER AN ENTREPRENEUR UNTAINTED ALIGNED ADVICE if they have a stock position in the company. VCs have a delicate inherent tension at play: they must first align with the interests of the LP funders to stay in business, and secondarily with the portfolio company. Some do this better than others. But the stock-owning mentor has the same alignment as the founders without this other consideration. Worth bearing in mind at all times when dealing with VCs. View in LinkedIn

CELL THERAPY WILL CONTINUE TO GAIN GROUND as engineering and understanding advance. It is crystal clear that cells can do functions that small molecules or even antibody drugs cannot. While there are many hurdles yet to overcome, it does seem inevitable that cell therapy will be an integral part of medicine in the future. http://lnkd.in/GbxCS7 View in LinkedIn

BARCELONA GLOBAL and others, are active in this most popular of European cities, to attract and retain international talent. This hotbed of entrepreneurial activity, with a healthy infrastructure and strong universities, is moving quickly to being a leading European technology city. http://www.irbbarcelona.org/index.php/en/news/irb-in-the-media/science-promotes-the-barcelona-brand View in LinkedIn

APRIL 30th BIOBASH" "" "FIRST MONTHLY BioBash at The Gild International, 5 Permanayer, at Pau Claris and Diputaco in Barcelona, starting after 6 pm with door charge of 5€ to cover a couple of drinks and finger food. We hope you can come, enjoy some music, drinks and a wonderful relaxed atmosphere, to mingle and meet your fellow BioBashers socially. We will have speakers in the future. Everyone invited! View in LinkedIn

I OFTEN ADVISE YOUNG UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE to do three things. First, network and pick the brains of people within your chosen sector, to learn more about it; everyone will accept a 20 minute call or meeting if you are just seeking their opinions. Second, become a volunteer intern in your sector, so your CV is not just blank, and so you learn new skills. Most people will not turn away free labor, and if you shine, who knows. Finally, immerse yourself in learning something applied that is relevant to your career choice. http://lnkd.in/SsDius View in LinkedIn

RULE OF THUMB WHEN PRESENTING TO INVESTORS: ensure you have applied for a patent or have secured an exclusive license to a patent first. They will not sign CDAs, so just be smart. The chance of an idea being stolen is very low indeed. I did hear recently of a VC stealing an idea presented that was not yet licensed from the owner, but those events are rare. File the IP before you start to create your own prior art problems. In general investors see so many entrepreneurs burning to develop an idea that they do not have to go looking for good ideas to start a company around. View in LinkedIn

SMART NANO MACHINES DRIVE THE USB STICK DNA SEQUENCER that may revolutionize our world by providing cheap and fast DNA sequences. Calling it brilliant is an understatement. The pure leap in technology is simply breathtaking. The horse has bolted from the stable even while the debate continues about what we do with the animal. It will not go back, so this is here to stay. Whether we like it or not, DNA sequences are going to become an ever hotter topic in the future. http://lnkd.in/ZitjjQ View in LinkedIn