Max Planck ripens its fruit

With interest in early-stage IP dwindling, Max Planck Innovation GmbHhas been looking for ways to incubate its translational research for longer to boost the chances of finding takers. Last week, Max Planck unveiled the second part of its two-pronged strategy-a deal with the venture firm Life Science Partners to launch DDC Ventures, which will fund molecules to the clinic-ready stage before seeking industry partners.

The main beneficiaries could be biotech and pharma companies based in Germany, as Max Planck is hoping to keep many of its licenses local...