Why Does Biotech Ignore the Diagnostics Opportunity?

For the last two decades, diagnostics has been the poor stepsister of pharmaceuticals. But in the era of proteomics, diagnostics will come of age for those companies smart enough to exploit its two major market opportunities: diagnosing diseases which, caught early, can be successfully treated; and selling tests which can identify whether or not a specific drug will work for a particular patient. As their strategic options narrow--platform strategies are now virtually unfinanceable--those biotechs wearing pharmaceutical blinders are ignoring important paths to sustainability.

At a crowded lunch table at Windhover's Euro-Biotech 2001 conference, the CFO of a new proteomics company describes his start-up's ability to identify sets of disease-associated proteins. Like every other biotech start-up executive, he's staying far away from articulating a platform strategy and instead talks about product alliances. "We've got a far more certain set of drug targets," he argues. "But no one's paying a lot for targets," says a senior European executive.

We interrupt: why not focus on the diagnostic possibilities? "Because you can't raise money for diagnostics," the European says categorically....

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Archive

Final Chance To Have Your Say: Take Our Reader Survey This Week

 

Editor’s note: This is your final call to participate in the survey to better understand our subscribers’ content and delivery needs. The deadline is 20 September.

Early Development Deals: Ipsen's Strategy For Biomarker-Driven Success

 

Mary Jane Hinrichs, Ipsen’s head of early development, talks to In Vivo about getting ahead of the competition by securing deals for candidates before they enter Phase I trials.   

Shape Our Content: Take The Reader Survey

 

Editor’s note: We are conducting a survey to better understand our subscribers’ content and delivery needs. If there are any changes you’d like to see in the coverage topics, content format or the method in which you receive and access In Vivo, or if you love it how it is, now is the time to have your voice heard.

In Partnership with Cerba Research

Prioritizing Safety in CAR-T Therapy: Patient Monitoring with Cerba Research’s Testing Portfolio

The cell and gene therapy (CGT) clinical trial landscape in general and CAR-T cell clinical trials in particular are a special focus for the FDA, EMA, and other regulatory agencies. The whole industry is thus aware of the recent FDA safety investigation and requirements for labeling CAR therapy products.

More from In Vivo

Rising Leaders 2025: Doxie Jordan, From UNC Graduate To Global Market Strategist

 
• By 

Bristol Myers Squibb executive Doxie Jordan discusses his path to global commercial leadership and the principles guiding pharmaceutical market strategy

Podcast: Brain+ CEO Discusses “Groundbreaking” Potential Of CST Assistant For Dementia Patients

 

Devika Wood, CEO of Brain+, explains the importance of developing health tech solutions for dementia and the growing need to both raise awareness and improve overall access to nondrug interventions like CST.

Behind The Buyout: Dispatches From The Dealmaking Table

 
• By 

In a challenging funding environment for biopharma, strategic dealmaking has become a critical growth engine. In Vivo explores what it truly takes to navigate high-stakes acquisitions and partnerships, drawing on insights from seasoned industry leaders.