Leading innovations in biotech advancement and discovery are found within academic institutions and emerging companies. These organizations play an increasingly important role, both in the U.S. and around the world, in developing new drug therapies for the treatment of diseases ranging from Alzheimer’s to cancer to cystic fibrosis to HIV/AIDS and many others. Their role in researching new therapies is instrumental in developing the next phase of disease treatment.

A gulf exists between early research and commercial drug development. What is considered adequately researched at an academic level is vastly different than what is required on a commercial level. A lack of funding limits the resources many universities are able to devote to advancing new therapies and such efforts are typically beyond their core academic missions. The next steps in drug advancements are both challenging and expensive including advanced clinical trials up to the marketing of successful therapies, requiring significant investments. An era of biotech business paradigm shifts requires a new understanding among the various market segments.

Bridging the gulf requires a dialogue among academic, investment and commercial organizations.

GTCbio’s 2nd Biotechnology Transfer & Commercialization Conference which will take place September 9-10, 2015 in Philadelphia, PA, will bring together the players needed to move the industry forward. Leading universities, pharmaceutical companies, venture capital, foundations and biotech companies will come together to share their perspectives, discuss new models of cooperation and develop the business relationships that get deals done. Together they will create new technologies, new companies and new medicines.