VECTOR STRATEGIC ADVISORS LLC
MAKING CONNECTIONS.
DELIVERING
RESULTS.
PROVIDING LICENSING STRATEGY AND EXECUTION FOR EARLIER STAGE BIOPHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES SINCE 2010.
VECTOR STRATEGIC ADVISORS
LICENSING AND MARKET ANALYTICS FOR THE BIOPHARMA INDUSTRY
PATRICIA SINATRA - MANAGING DIRECTOR
WHAT WE DO
Out (Sell-Side) Licensing:
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Preparation of slides and supportive materials
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Sourcing and partner outreach
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Representation at partnering meetings
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Term sheet develpment and negotiation
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Valuation and forecasting
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Negotiation of definitive agreements
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Coordination of due diligence
In (Buy-Side) Licensing:
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Research and sourcing of potential opportunities
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Representation at partnering meetings
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Negotiation of terms
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Coordination of due diligence
MENTORING, LICENSING TRAINING
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Entrepreneurship programs
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Business development instruction
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Custom in-house BD instruction
MARKET RESEARCH
COMMERCIAL ASSESSMENTS
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Target profile development and validation
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Fund raising strategy and outreach
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Primary market research (including NSF I-Corps)
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Forecast analysis
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Secondary market research
OUR APPROACH
The ultimate value of a technology is whether it provides one or more of the following objectives:
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It enables increased efficiencies to develop a product both from a cost and time to development perspective;
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To replace or extend a patent with imminent expiration;
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To expand the company's portfolio;
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To justify the costs associated with maintaining a sales and marketing effort;
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To satisfy requirements to market the product alone or with a partner;
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To facilitate M&A or an IPO (may satisfy an exit strategy for investors).
Vector has conducted research with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that highlight the most important requirements for in-licensing a therapeutic product in today’s drug development or platform arena:
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It must support a corporate strategic initiative;
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If must be differentiable. A product can theoretically satisfy a medical need, but if it is a fast follower or "me-too" product or if the market is saturated, it may face greater hurdles in the market;
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Market potential (largely contingent on it's ability to be differentiated);
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Proof of concept, preferably with data in Phase I and II (there are exceptions to this but it depends on the MOA of the technology or for example and if it is in alignment with a partner's internal research interests);
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Strong intellectual property, preferably composition of matter;
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Known mechanism of action;
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The ability to develop an accompanying diagnostic.
We incorporate these attributes in working with our clients to help them identify, hone and negotiate transformation deals. We also utilize our extensive experience in marketing to provide a more substantive rationale for the value of the product. If required, we can satisfy either requirement exlusively depending on the client's needs.
From the sell side perspective, particularly with start-up ventures, it is not uncommon to delve into the science without successfully framing how it satisfies the above criteria for the potential licensee/partner. It is not about the product, it is about what problem is being solved when using it.
We work with clients to provide a comprehensive licensing strategy based on understanding the market dynamics and competitive landscape that enables a strong position of differentiation to a potential licensor or licensee.
We can also satisfy market assessment requirements exclusive of the licensing process.
EXPERIENCE
Interthyr
bgenix
cell genesis
WHO WE ARE
Vector Strategic Advisors is a licensing and commercial strategy advisory firm. Our clients are generally early stage/pre-IPO to mid-sized biopharmaceutical companies and universities that may need external validation regarding licensing or commercial strategy or are resource constrained and need a second pair of "eyes and hands" to assist them in this capacity. They recognize the critical value of market and technology positioning in executing a licensing strategy. Contrary to conventional wisdom, good science per se doesn't sell; rather it is how it addresses a problem in a differentiable way..
PATRICIA SINATRA - MANAGING DIRECTOR
Vector was founded in 2010 by Patricia Sinatra who brings over 20 years of experience working for and with companies that develop novel technologies and products. She commenced her career in research and academia then transitioned to hospital sales and regional marketing for SmithKline Beecham where was responsible for key accounts including UCSF, UT Southwestern Medical School, Parkland Hospital, Baylor Medical and all the major military and air force hospitals in northern California. She subsequently transitioned to the development and marketing of some of the first biotech products on the market where she held various director and executive management roles . Her experience ranges from licensing and alliance management to strategic, brand marketing, new product planning and market research. Patricia honed her skills largely in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley.
With a broad network of contacts throught the U.S. and abroad, she can facilitate connections that bring value and validation to her clients' intellectual property. For the past nine years, she has organized and instructed the annual BIO Business Development Fundamentals Course and has instructed over 800 licensing students since 2008. She has been a member of various educational program committees at BIO focused in next generation therapeutics and oncology;. She is also an ad hoc mentor and advisor for UCSF/start up 101 entrepreneurship program, the CLSI FAST program and NIH Lean Start Up programs. Patricia received her B.S. in biology from SUNY and conducted post-graduate studies in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Patricia is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Italy, and can take on assignments in the EU with no time restrictions.
EXPERTISE
We have licensing, alliance management and commercial expertise in the following areas:
Therapeutic Areas
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Oncology - Immuno-oncology (IO) and other targeted approaches; supportive care
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Inflammation and autoimmune disease
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CNS/Neurology -- Pain, migraine, Parkinson's disease
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Infectious disease with a focus on anti-virals, anti-fungals and emerging pathogens
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Metabolic - End stage renal disease
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Aging -- telomeric testing for diagnostic applications
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Wound care
Technology Platforms and Modalities
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Antibody platforms, antibody drug conjugates, fully human antibodies and derivatives thereof
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Targeted small molecule therapeutics
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Recombinant vaccines
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TLR inhibitors
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Pegylated liposomal and other drug delivery methods
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Personalized genomics
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Cellular based approaches (infectious disease/wound care management)
GET IN TOUCH
We are conveniently located in Burlingame, CA. just minutes from the San Francisco International Airport and biotech hubs located in South San Francisco, Mission Bay and Silicon Valley.