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!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

The Dark Underside of NJ Dog Breeders: The High Cost of Free Speech

The recent dismissal of the SLAPP (Suit Against Public Participation) suit brought against me by Dawn Abrams and Donna Roberts was very welcome and much appreciated.  For more coverage of the case, please read this and this.

While the case seemingly was about a dispute between a disreputable group of dog breeders and a pet owner, the case had much more to do about the First Amendment and free speech.  Please read the amicus brief submitted to the court on my behalf by the Humane Society of the United States. SLAPP suits are becoming increasingly popular vehicles to intimidate and silence bloggers and others. 

The sad thing about the current American judicial system is that anyone can sue you--with or without a good reason.  I think that  it is time that legislation is passed that seriously punishes litigants and their lawyers who willfully and knowingly file SLAPP suits. The current penalties and sanctions are a joke.

Although I was able to defend myself against a frivolous lawsuit that had no merit, it DID silence me (and the rest of the blogosphere) and it cost me an enormous amount of money!  Unfortunately, the people who brought the suit against me continued to sell dogs to would-be pet owners while my hands were tied because of pending litigation.

I find it ironic that I had to spend tens of thousands of dollars to be able to exercise my right to free speech which is supposedly guaranteed--at no cost--to all Americans.  To that end, if you would like to help to defray my legal expenses please visit StopPuppyFraud  or our Crowdrise page and make a donation. 

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!


 

VCs Bullish on Biotech

Despite dire predictions, the biotechnology industry appears to be weathering the recession better than most. According to a CNN Money.com post “Biotechnology leapt ahead as the biggest recipient of U.S. venture capital money in the second quarter, but first-time venture investments in companies overall dropped to a 15-year low.”

Biotechnology funding grew 54% to $888 million in 85 deals, software came in flat at $644 million in 135 deals and Internet companies fell 15% to $524 million in 124 deals. While biotechnology company investments are leading the pack, the current funding levels pale in comparison to those of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Also, it is important to note that many of the biotechnology company investments were in mid to late stage ventures. Fewer investments were made in seed or early stage companies which historically have outpaced funding in late stage ones.

Venture capitalists may be favoring biotechnology investments because there is a clear exit strategy—there are more acquisitions and initial public offerings in life sciences as compared with other industries.

Look for continuing investments in the biotechnology sector—especially in molecular diagnostics and medical devices.

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!

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