Tommy'sdad:
I see the biotech-biotech collaborations unfolding into much more. The first few will provide legitimacy and a good shot at NICE royalty flow in the future, as they're partnered out of the collaboration. From that point, I'd foresee ARQL riches/money-generative-capacity allowing the resources to proceed independently. These projects should look good to partnerships, so the collaborators (ARQL and company XXXX) should be able to retain a bigger piece of products as (if) the business plan matures.
I just hope that they're not spread too thinly. These collaborations cost big bucks, and being selective is important. For example, I've heard that the TCEL collaboration may be going well, but I have my doubts about the target as a stand-alone product. This is a thought off the top of head, not one based on sufficient research.
I don't think that royalties have been disclosed for any of the pharma, media (Pharmacia) or agri (Monsanto) partnerships, but it might be worth checking with Mark Edwards at Recombinant Capital. He has followed the structure of ARQL deals closely, and had some critical comments at one point.
A couple of questions thrown out into cyberland.....
What's the status of the Abbott agreement? If it has been renewed and I missed it, sorry! Also, Pharmacia and Upjohn spun out Pharmacia Biotech today merging it with Amersham's Life Science division. Amersham will own 55% of the company, and it sounds like Amersham's management will largely determine the future of PB-related activities. Does anyone have a feel for Amersham and how they might relate to the ARQL deal?
OK, one more..... it's also not clear to me when the option extension for the PB deal expires. Anyone know?
Thanks, Rick |
