Big Pharma Teams Up With Biotech

A trend I have been noticing in the news is the announcement of joint ventures of Big Pharma with Biotech.  Biotech companies have the most to offer as far as science goes, while Big Pharma not only has plenty of science to contribute, but also a massive development, manufacturing and distribution infrastructure.

About three weeks ago, the privately held, relatively new company: AbCellera Biologics Inc., based in Vancouver, British Columbia, obtained blood samples from one of the first COVID-19 recovered patients in the United States.  AbCellera screened over 5 million immune cells to discover functional antibodies that helped recovery and neutralization of the disease.

On March 12th, Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY) signed an agreement with AbCellera to co-develop antibody therapies for COVID-19.  The companies will equally share initial development costs, where upon Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY) will be responsible for the costs of further development, manufacturing, and distribution of the products.

Paul Wharton

Special thanks to Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY) for inventing the fuel of my mind