BTG looking to in-license in life sciences

Licensing

BTG plc says it has completed its transformation from generalist technology commercialisation company to focused life sciences specialist, and is now looking to in license drug portfolios and technology platforms to expand its pipeline.

After a hefty restructuring in which it sold off most of its physical sciences assets, the London-based company has reached the state of grace where its income from ongoing royalties exceeds its costs. In addition, there is £43 million in the bank.

Louise Makin, CEO told the annual R&D update meeting, held in London last week that BTG, “Is actively looking to acquire portfolios and platforms and seeking to retain more value from individual programmes.”

The company specialises in neurosciences and oncology, two fields where there is a growing market and high unmet medical need, said Russ Hagan, Head of R&D. Both are very active areas where there is increasing interest from pharmaceutical companies in inlicensing. In the year to date there have been 101 deals in neurosciences with an average value of $143 million, while in oncology there have been 167 deals with an average value of $146 million.

Makin commented that in the last two years BTG has been transformed into a sustainable, growing life sciences company. “[It is] a really sound business, with an increasing surplus, in a position to fund really good R&D.”