The Business of Biotech

Biotechnology companies comprise a unique industry.  Whether you are considering joining a biotech start-up or want to be successful in a mature life science organization, it pays to understand biotech business fundamentals.

This course has two primary objectives. The first is to cover the essentials of biotech business operations and challenges. The second is to design a potentially successful startup venture based on bioscience and addressing the biotech and healthcare markets. A secondary objective is to enhance your communications skills. 

Topics include:

• Disruptive innovation – Understand the accepted theory and how to make use of it
• FDA regulation – Pathways and times to approval for drugs, devices and biologics
• Spinouts & licensing – Creating intellectual property and licensing rights to fields of use
• Financing – The basics plus bootstrapping, valuation, venture capital and acquisitions
• Fast exit ventures – Creating a lean startup with the goal of being acquired within 3 years
• Biotech business models -- Learn the 8 biotech business models and risk/reward of each
• Business development – Analyze/value a license or corporate acquisition

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Excel in career interviews through your comprehensive knowledge of biotech business fundamentals and functions
• Utilize potentially disruptive technologies for solutions to problems in new and unserved markets
• Make professional and convincing PowerPoint presentations based on a written analysis of product/market fit and intellectual property
• Choose between financing alternatives to funding a startup venture with new technology or emerging university research

The format is highly interactive and informal, engaging students in workshop fashion. Most classes start with a discussion of the materials followed by a group exercise and conclude with a team presentation of a Harvard Business School biotech case. Projects measure and enhance your entrepreneurial abilities, interpersonal team skills, written communications and oral presentation abilities. Assessment is by two brief quizzes, demonstrated in-class knowledge of the course material, a one-page memo (with backup) analyzing a new venture, a HBS case analysis/presentation and a final team project presentation to a panel.

Testimonials:
"I’ve been in science and business development for 20+ years, but I’ve never had any formal business training. Already your class is connecting some dots for me and I’m very glad I enrolled."
- P. Schumann, winter 2018.
 
"It is true when I say that this has been one of the most interesting courses that I have taken. It wasn't like the courses one takes only to forget the content after exams. In fact, after every class I felt I learned something that will stay with me forever."
-M. Husain, winter 2018.

Note: This is an intensive learning experience. Space is very limited. Early enrollment is strongly recommended. Students should have a working knowledge of molecular biology and work or intend to work in the biotech industry. Decks should be cleared with time available to spend 6-8+ hours per week outside of class. Attendance at the first class is mandatory. 

All course materials are included in the course fee.

Please contact (858) 534-9353 or unexbio@ucsd.edu for more information.

Course Number: BUSA-40530
Credit: 3.00 unit(s)