Universities Provide Ideas, Receive Licenses

When people think of inventors, often times they focus on individuals, disregarding the support that those inventors may have received along the way.  However, it should not be forgotten how colleges and universities also play an integral part in advancing technology by playing a supporting role.

A recent article on OnlineAthens brought to light how innovations at American universities result in a multi-million dollar business.  For example, researchers at the University of Georgia developed a new type of Bermuda turf grass, named TifSport.  This is so cutting edge, that it will actually be used during the semi-final matches of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. 

While the listed inventor is Wayne Hannah, UGA was able to speak with industries that may be interested in commercializing TifSport.  Then, UGA was able to license the product and collect large royalties when the product hits the market.  This process is repeated by many colleges and universities throughout the country, and several products can attribute their roots to the collegiate level.

The top 10 list of Universities, as reported by the Association of University Technology Managers, are listed below.  In addition to the name of the school, the list also includes the number of deals they amassed in fiscal year 2007:

1. University of California System – 231

2. University of Washington – 203

3. University of Georgia – 125

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology – 116

5. Iowa State University – 113

6. North Carolina State University – 106

7. Purdue Research Foundation – 99

8. University of Michigan – 91

9. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill – 89

10. Stanford University – 88

While this list is impressive, it should be noted that the University of California System actually represents a number of schools and not a single university.

Merck to buy Insmed Biosimilars for $130 Million

Merck has just announced that they will buy Insmed’s portfolio of follow-on biologic therapeutic candidates, as well as a manufacturing facility, for $130 million.  As reported on Forbes.com, Insmed agreed to sell its pipeline of “biosimilars” which are drugs that are attempted copies of biotech drugs made from living cells.

The new drugs will be managed by Merck’s new BioVentures business.  Also, the deal is expected to speed up Merck’s entry into making follow-on biologic products.  Examples of follow-on biologic products are Insmed’s INS-19 and INS-20, which are intended to prevent infections in patients recovering from chemotherapy.  Merck gains control of both products, which are currently in early-stage testing.

The manufacturing plant included in the deal is a 50,000 square-foot facility in Boulder, Colorado.  The plant is used to make and analyze biologic drugs.

Merck will pay Insmed $10 million upfront, and will make the rest of the payment when the deal is closed.  Merck will not owe any additional milestone or royalty payments.