Virtual Lab Success

Strategic Consulting for Accelerated Growth

Client Overview: An early-stage biotech company focused on developing small molecule anti-cancer drugs targeting a key regulator of the cell cycle. The company aimed to remain virtual to avoid the high costs associated with hiring personnel and acquiring laboratory space, while still advancing their drug development and fund-raising efforts efficiently.

Challenge: The client needed to conduct functional testing of their lead compounds but lacked the wet lab infrastructure and scientific personnel to perform cell-based screens and later proof of concept (POC) studies in animal models. Their goal was to remain virtual while advancing their drug pipeline, making it essential to find cost-effective and efficient ways to access the necessary lab resources, expertise, and proof-of-concept data needed to raise additional funds.

Solution: GOTBio played a critical role in enabling the client to meet their goals while maintaining a virtual structure. Here’s how we facilitated their success:

1. Connecting with Expert Resources:
   • GOTBio identified a leading academic lab and an expert with the capabilities to conduct the desired cell-based screen, which was key to testing the client’s lead small molecule compounds.
   • Acting as a liaison, we implemented the deal and prepared all the necessary paperwork to establish a laboratory service agreement. This agreement ensured the company’s intellectual property remained protected while allowing the testing to proceed smoothly.
   • GOTBio collaborated with the company’s founders to form a board of directors and a scientific advisory board that were strategically aligned with their scientific vision and corporate objectives. 
   • GOTBio helped the company secure intellectual property (IP) protection by connecting them with a highly reputable law firm.
2. Strategic Support for Proof of Concept (POC):
   • After a successful cell-based screen, GOTBio assisted in designing a strategic approach for preparing the newly identified lead compound for POC studies in mouse models of breast cancer.
   • The client again preferred to remain virtual, so GOTBio connected them with an academic lab specializing in breast cancer research with the required animal models. This partnership allowed for efficient testing without the need for the client to build their own in-house capabilities.
3. PreIND Meeting Preparation:
   • GOTBio provided guidance on preparing for a preIND (Investigational New Drug) meeting, positioning the client for future regulatory discussions and strategic milestones.

Outcome:

• Cost Savings: By staying virtual and leveraging external academic labs for cell-based screens and POC studies, the client greatly reduced overhead expenses. They avoided the need for hiring staff or acquiring/renting physical space, accelerating development at a significantly lower cost. These savings were reinvested into strengthening their IP portfolio.
• Increased Speed: The ability to leverage established labs and experts allowed the client to accelerate their drug development timeline, delivering key POC data more rapidly than if they had built their own infrastructure.
• Successful Fundraising: The successful cell-based screens, animal model studies, and intellectual property investment not only validated the lead compound but also led to the acquisition of an additional $2 million in seed funding, enabling the company to continue advancing its pipeline.

Conclusion: Through GOTBio’s strategic connections and hands-on guidance, the client was able to remain virtual while advancing their small molecule anti-cancer drugs efficiently. Our approach enabled them to save both time and money, fast-tracking the development of their product while successfully obtaining key IP and raising additional funds for future growth.