Filling the gap

Although a growing number of universities and research centers are taking steps to incubate translatable early-stage research,^1,2 the vast majority of institutions have yet to address the gap that exists between their discoveries and the further development required before a biotech or pharma gets interested. U.K.-based TPP Global Development Ltd. is hoping to play the role of middleman for such institutions.

TPP raised £9.6 million ($13.9 million) last month in a series A round with Scottish Enterprise and other investors. The company plans to use the proceeds to in-license early preclinical programs, mainly from universities and research institutes, fund the necessary development work at the originating organizations or at contract research organizations (CROs) and then out-license the programs to companies or spin out the assets...