The early-stage practice team at Euromedica are often fortunate enough to gain unique exposure to some of the latest technological advancements at the forefront of the global life sciences landscape. Whether it be the emergence of a new platform technology, an exciting asset which proposes differentiated and improved toxicity profile compared to competitors, or a new innovative medical technology product which spans the realms of AI, Virtual/Augmented Reality or the latest in Data Science/Predictive Analytics, with each project we undertake new hypothetical questions, approaches and philosophies are uncovered. They often divide or unite the industry, sparking multiple viewpoints and perspectives from both the industry's brightest "newcomers" and seasoned veterans alike.
Entering a new and exciting decade for the industry, the past few weeks have presented an opportune time for self-reflection ahead of the eagerly anticipated beginning of 2020. During this time, we've been fortunate enough to connect with a variety of individuals, curious to understand how others within the rapidly expanding industry view 2020 and beyond.
On discussing the continuum of last decade's market trends:
"I think we will continue to see the rise in cell and gene based therapies raising much more money than they ever have before. In recent years, immuno-oncology has been prominent in the marketplace - antibody development, kinase inhibitors and new targets - however, with new gene editing and cell based therapies on the rise in 2019 targeting life-threatening diseases, I anticipate there to be an increase in cell and gene based therapies breaking into the non-life-threatening disease field. JP Morgan is the one to watch, as every year it sets the tone for the upcoming 12 months (certainly from an industry and larger VC perspective).
In the field of MedTech, AI (Artificial Intelligence) utilised in the scope of analysis and prediction will see a distinct increase, and although the biotech industry isn't there yet, don't be surprised if in the next 2-3 years we see AI-based technology breaking into the medical chemistry and molecular design areas of the biotechnology scene."
Dr Martin Pfister - Investment Director, High-Tech Grunderfonds
Meanwhile, in the pursuit of consistently identifying and engaging with talent that matches the needs of such an agile sector, it has become evident that obtaining competitive advantage in the next few years can be obtained through ensuring functions are "future-proof" against the rapid growth of new market trends, through specific appointments.
"Given the fact that most of the new NCEs in the life sciences world are coming from R&D divisions of small to mid-size biotech Cos, I believe there is a strong need for CEOs of those Cos to really grasp in-depth drug development matters. The CEO should pair with his/her CMO to challenge and therefore implement the best clinical development plan that will make the compound a commercial success down the road. I would envision the role of the CEO changing in the coming years and becoming more and more a dual function on top of the other classical attributes."
Francois R. Martelet - NED Novigenix SA
Regardless of the school of thought or specific topic covered, it's evident the coming years are going to be even more influential than ever before in prolonging and shaping the lives of millions of patients worldwide.