Ex-Genentech Exec Helps Small Biotech with Deals

The San Francisco Business Times reports that ex-Genentech executive, Suzy Jones, has started her own business development firm to help small biotechs cut deals with Big Pharma. The new firm is called DNA Ink (get it!) LLC.   It negotiates deals based on a contingency arrangement.

The firm is positioned to take advantage of the large number of Big Pharma with major drugs coming off patent with the subsequent effect that these same firms are looking for smal to medium biotech partnerships to bolster their pipelines. "There's so much good science out there and there are buyers" says Jones.

As small to medium biotech's are under considerable pressure to manage their cash more efficiently, many are running lean.  This creates a need for experienced BD and deal making experience - especially for the smallest and virtual players.

DNA Ink is using former Genentech colleagues with experience in the legal, market forecasting, valuation and other aspects of dealmaking, Jones said. “All the people I’m working with have done hundreds and hundreds of deals.”

Posted by Bruce Lehr October 11th 2010.