1. Scrip
  2. >>Business
  3. >>Strategy

Repurposing the Repurposing Business Model

 
• By Mark Ratner

Two recent examples of the difficulties of drug repurposing: Bionaut's ability to find new indications was not sufficient to get a foot in pharma's door without novelty to create barriers to entry to deter fast followers. Sention couldn't generate data fast enough on its L-amphetamine in improving cognitive impairment to counter amphetamine's bad image. (Its second program, even armed with pharma-vetted, baggage-less NCEs in-licensed from Merck, emerged too late to save the company.)

When Greg Gardiner, PhD, looked closely at Bionaut Pharmaceuticals Inc. last November, he saw a problem right away. The start-up was using the proprietary assay system around which it was founded to search for new uses for systemically administered generic drugs. But it was focused on finding new systemic indications, and therefore was not creating any effective product differentiation, Gardiner explains. "I laughed thinking about a drug company doing anything with those drugs."

Bionaut still uses its target-independent, pathway-driven screening tool to identify potential new indications for drugs. (See "Bionaut Pharmaceuticals Inc.," START-UP, September 2003 Also see "Bionaut Pharmaceuticals Inc." - Scrip,...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip 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
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Strategy

Deal Watch: QurAlis Targets Fragile-X Syndrome In Deals With Quiver, UMass

 
• By Joseph Haas

Plus the end of Sanofi’s six-target alliance with IGM, OmniAb’s deals with Veraxa and Angelini, alliances involving Skye/Arecor, Genprex/UTHealth Houston and more.

GSK’s Nucala Set For Dupixent Face-Off After FDA COPD Nod

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The UK major's asthma drug gets a key expanded approval.

Zydus To Continue Mirabegron Sales, Looks To World-First Dual Shigella-Typhoid Vaccine

 
• By Vibha Ravi

Zydus expects strong mirabegron sales in FY26 amid US litigation even as it builds a growth pillar in vaccines with a world-first, Gates Foundation-aided dual shigella-typhoid vaccine under development and others on the WHO prequalified list

Challenging Environment For Biopharma Is A Tailwind For Royalty Pharma

 
• By Jessica Merrill

The royalty revenue stream acquirer has around 40 products in its portfolio and expects to generate roughly $3bn this year. Head of R&D and investments Marshall Urist talked about the investment strategy at the RBC Healthcare Conference.

More from Business

Challenging Environment For Biopharma Is A Tailwind For Royalty Pharma

 
• By Jessica Merrill

The royalty revenue stream acquirer has around 40 products in its portfolio and expects to generate roughly $3bn this year. Head of R&D and investments Marshall Urist talked about the investment strategy at the RBC Healthcare Conference.

Finance Watch: SV Closes Second Dementia Discovery Fund, Exceeding $250m Goal

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Private Company Edition: SV Health Investors revealed the final closing of its second Dementia Discovery Fund. Also, Eikon cut nearly 15% of its staff, Pathos AI raised $365m in series D venture capital and CellCentric completed a $120m series C round, among other financings.

Sanofi Makes Alzheimer’s Bet With Vigil Buy

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The French drugmaker is expanding its neurology activities with the $470m deal.