Forma To Play To Its Strengths WIth Genentech Deal

Forma Therapeutics Inc.'s licensing agreement with Genentech Inc., announced June 27, is a creative twist on option-style dealmaking that could bring returns to the start-up's venture investors while skirting the traditional exit routes of acquisition and public offering. The deal illustrates one path highly innovative platform-focused biotechs could take when they are trying to satisfy the demands of venture backers while remaining focused on their strengths in early stage drug discovery.