From Lab to Launch- Key Strategies for Accelerating Drug Discovery in Tech Transfer With Elizabeth Douville

The process of transforming cutting-edge academic research into life-changing therapies is often described as moving from bench to market. Joining us today is Elizabeth Douville, President and CEO of Iricor, a cancerology and immunology research valorization center based at the University of Montreal.

Elizabeth is a leader who connects academic, industry and government ecosystems. She has a passion for scientific research and a track record of turning university innovations into biotech companies. She’s a force to be reckoned with in the life sciences.

In this episode we’ll talk about how Iricor is tackling drug development, de-risking early stage innovation and commercializing promising therapies. We’ll also talk about bridging the infamous “Valley of Death” where so many projects go to die and how collaboration, entrepreneurial thinking and adaptability are the keys to success. Tune in for a behind the scenes look at innovation and the future of life-changing therapies.

In This Episode:

[01:54] Why the gap between academic innovation and commercialization often referred to as the "valley of death". The reality is that this is the place where projects go to die.

[02:35] There can be problems with funding, technical validation, or market potential.

[03:08] We learn the critical components for a successful drug discovery commercialization strategy that can be used by Tech Transfer offices.

[05:13] You can't develop a drug and commercialize it on your own. Innovation takes a village.

[06:07] We learn tactics and frameworks for de-risking projects. You need to go through the education process, do your homework, and sit down with the researcher.

[07:22] Working collaboratively on the development path and having proof of concept can help get additional funding and move the innovation along. Each step should mitigate risk and make the technology more attractive.

[08:43] Advice for TTOs and creating strong collaborations. Being a not-for-profit organization enables entities to apply for government aid and programs.

[11:16] Approaching market assessment and validation to ensure commercial viability of a project. Access market intelligent databases for an early understanding of potential. 

[12:23] Networking and knowing people in the industry and going to conferences is another part that will help with market assessment.

[13:54] Prioritizing projects to maximize impact and balancing resource allocation. There are challenges but in the end they want to get new drug modalities to the patients.

[15:58] Approaches to secure funding. Being a not-for-profit entity is the key to be eligible for programs. Be creative and leverage what's in your system from alumni to philanthropy.

[18:11] Keys to collaboration include flexibility, agility, and understanding.

[19:29] Elizabeth shares an example of an Iricor project that they helped to commercialize. The journey can be long and you have to be mindful of the IP. 

[24:29] Best practices to follow without IP conflicts include making sure everybody's sitting at the table with the Pharma partner when everything comes together.

[26:04] Empowering academic researchers to think like entrepreneurs. Universities have a big role to play when it comes to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.

[27:47] Advice for building a culture of innovation and collaboration within a TTO office includes leading by example and having an entrepreneurial and solution oriented mindset.

Resources: 

Iricor

Elizabeth Douville - LinkedIn