Defining Effective Approaches of Biotech Companies to Commercialize Technology

Abstract

Cappelletti, Patricia., Defining Effective Approaches of Biotech Companies to Commercialize Technology. Master of Science (Biomedical Sciences), June 1998, 153 pp., 76 tables, reference list, 30 titles. The objective of the study was to define approaches to commercialize technology by biotech companies affiliated with academic institutions, determining the most effective ones. The hypothesis was approaches biotech companies use to commercialize technology their success and a specific combination of approaches would be most successful. A survey provided date from 85 biotech companies on technology origins, patenting, licensing, funding, and product focus. Multiple regression analyses suggested significant relationships between variables and success. Companies with marketed products acquired technology from non-academic sources (p=0.0495), particularly inhouse research/discovery (p=0.0028) rather than other sources. With one academic-sponsored technology, younger companies (≤10 yrs) have a greater probability (74%) of success than older companies (57%). Younger companies with technology transfer offices and companies patenting before publishing are more likely to have marketed products than companies who don’t. Chances of success increase with age and revenues. Results suggest approaches used by biotech companies influence their success.