Some Good and Bad Investment News for Biotech Companies
Let’s start with the good news first. A report issued by the National Capital Association and PricewaterhouseCoopers found that venture capital investment in biotechnology grew 22 percent in 2011. And, now the bad news; initial funding for biotechnology startups seeking investment hit a 16 year low last year. The consensus among financial analysts is that life science investors are increasingly focusing on later stage companies because they carry less clinical and regulatory risks as compared with early stage ones. Put simply, VCs, like everyone else, have become much more risk adverse and do not want to invest in companies that don’t have a minimum history of success.
According to the report, venture firms spent $4.73 billion on 446 biotechnology companies in 2011, the highest dollar amount since 2007. Approximately, 153 biotechnology and medical devices companies received their first round of funding last year.
Finally, the US Food and Drug Administration approved 30 drugs in 2011; 13 of which were developed in part by venture funding.
Until next time...
Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!!!!!!
This past holiday season, as usual, was rife with massive layoffs and downsizing at various big pharma companies. Interestingly, in 2011, most biotechnology companies were able to weather the economic downturn and layoffs were not typical. Sadly, 2012 looks to be a more challenging year for many biotechnology company employees..jpg)
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Sam Waksal, the former Founder and CEO of ImClone Systems who was convicted in 2003 of insider stock trading and spent about five years in prison is trying to make a comeback as a biotechnology entrepreneur.
The Pharmalot Blog 
Despite dire predictions, the biotechnology industry appears to be weathering the recession better than most. According to a
In the February issue of 
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