Leen Kawas, a biotech industry veteran, discusses the relationship between Universities and their research and development activities, aimed at collaborative experiences.
Biotechnology research and development (or R&D) can help transform an innovative idea into a potentially viable drug or other patient therapy. Biotech innovation has also fueled the development of enhanced diagnostic tools and medical devices. Taking a bigger-picture view, biotech firms’ R&D programs can play an integral role in precision medicine advancements.
However, biotech R&D programs often face financial and logistical challenges. This is especially true for newer biotech companies with fewer financial, technological, and laboratory resources. These businesses often rely on investment dollars to fund operations and research.
To further complicate the issue, in 2024 investors are less likely to provide funding to newer biotechs without favorable clinical trials outcomes or other concrete results. Fortunately, a “win-win” solution is gaining widespread traction across the United States biotechnology industry.
Dr. Leen Kawas’ Well-Rounded Biotech Background Informs Perspectives
Leen Kawas, Ph. D. is Propel Bio Partners’ Managing General Partner. This Los Angeles-based biotechnology venture capital company partners with start-up and early-stage biotechs requiring financial, technical, and operations assistance.
Before assuming her current role, Dr. Leen Kawas excelled as Athira’s Chief Executive Officer (or CEO). During her tenure at this biotech firm, Dr. Kawas oversaw multiple successful drug development programs. These combined experiences help inform her perspectives on biotech-university R&D partnerships.
Biotech-University R&D Partnerships Provide Significant Benefits
An increasing number of biotechs (especially early-stage companies) are establishing R&D partnerships with major academic institutions. For reference, the biotechnology firm sponsors targeted research at a university that aligns with the business’ research interests.
The university’s laboratory facilities serve as the biotech’s clinical (or preclinical) research platform. The institution’s faculty provides needed research and/or scientific expertise. In essence, the biotech can operate a functional R&D program with a reduced cash outlay.
Although biotech-university partnerships have existed for decades, Dr. Leen Kawas said the collaborations have grown in number during the past 15 years. In a related development, nearly 90 percent of major journal papers from this period represented a collaborative effort with academic or government entities.
Benefits for Biotechnology Firms
Dr. Leen Kawas noted that biotechs benefit from university partnerships in three ways. One easily quantifiable advantage is joined by two longer-term benefits that can help enhance the biotech’s competitive position.
Decreased Research and Development Costs
Biotechs involved in cutting-edge technologies, such as gene and cell therapies, require use of advanced processes and equipment. Game-changing analytical and testing capabilities, and top-tier staff and researchers, are also required. As might be expected, early-stage biotechs with limited resources often can’t build custom lab facilities and recruit best-in-industry team members.
Biotechs that partner with premier universities can substantially trim research and development costs. First, the biotech utilizes the university’s established lab facilities. Even if modifications and/or new equipment are required, the cost will be significantly less than constructing a purpose-built lab. In addition, the biotech can tap into the university’s highly specialized faculty, some of whom are recognized experts in the field.
Access to Pivotal Academic Research
Well-executed, targeted research is the foundation of biotechnology innovation. To further the sponsoring biotech’s goals, the company can tailor the university’s research to solve key questions integral to the firm’s technology or product development.
When an associated study concludes, the sponsoring biotech may negotiate for the first rights to intellectual property relevant to the collaboration. The biotech may also benefit from relevant peer-reviewed research papers.
Beneficial Industry and Research Networks
Biotechs value industry and research collaborations that can help further the firm’s product development and commercialization programs. Toward this end, biotech leaders can tap into the university faculty members’ connections with fellow thought leaders and respected research organizations.
Concurrently, faculty members may collaborate with other respected experts in the field. The sponsoring biotech will likely gain access to this exclusive industry network.
Benefits for the Universities
Dr. Leen Kawas stated that the university’s research program derives two benefits from its biotech partnerships. Valuable research funds can have multiple applications.
Key Research Funding Component
The university’s biotech-sponsored research can form a pillar of its larger-scale research funding base. In fact, sponsored funding may be required to obtain other research funds.
The sponsored research funds help cover research costs that might otherwise be subject to budget constraints. The funds also enable faculty and staff members to conduct advanced research that doesn’t qualify for conventional funding.
Industry Support for Targeted Programs
Sponsored research enables the university’s research programs to receive funding for dedicated research endeavors. In addition, the funding may enable faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, and current students to cover publishing fees associated with scientific journals. Remaining in the industry spotlight may be key to researchers’ industry leadership.
Mutual Partnership Benefits
Biotech-university partnerships can benefit both parties in two ways. Dr. Leen Kawas highlighted these distinctive advantages.
Faculty and Student Recruitment
A biotech would typically recruit an industry expert as the study’s lead investigator. That said, additional staff members and students (often graduate students) perform many of the hands-on research tasks. A sponsored research project can also provide some funding for high-level postdoctoral roles.
Regardless of the study’s scope, faculty and student research involvement can benefit the academic program’s reputation. Talented faculty members are often attracted to an institution with sponsored research programs. Students may be seeking research experience and potential biotech job opportunities.
The biotech company receives recognition for involving talented young students in research opportunities. In turn, the students’ participation shines a light on the biotech’s professional development programs.
Enhanced Industry and Professional Credibility
Newer biotech firms want to build their scientific credibility, as that helps enhance the company’s industry reputation. University research program leaders want to improve their credibility among peers. Sponsored research enables both parties to achieve their goals.
Biotechs and university researchers can publish their joint research findings in reputable peer-reviewed journals. Medical symposia and industry conferences offer opportunities for joint research findings presentations. Industry and academic thought leaders, along with potential investors, often attend these notable events.
A Biotech Leader’s R&D Partnership with UMBC Doctoral Students
Biotech-university partnerships continue to take place throughout the United States. In one 2024 example, biotech leader Genentech launched a five-year program with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (or UMBC).
In year three, six UMBC doctoral students benefited from Genentech Fellowships. Each student received monetary support while conducting research for Genentech initiatives. Other students have enhanced their knowledge via Genentech senior scientists’ on-campus lecture programs.
By offering pre-graduation training opportunities, Genentech (and perhaps other biotechs) help enhance graduate students’ life sciences career options. Dr. Leen Kawas expressed optimism that these mutually beneficial partnerships will bring more talented students to biotech industry opportunities.