ON eNews
October 2020
We can always be better! Welcome to this October 2020 edition of the One Nucleus eNews. Conscious that as I write this introduction society as a whole; the Life Sciences sector and indeed all of us at an individual level are still operating through various degrees of Covid-19 disruption. That brings challenges and many will look at the decisions by others in puzzlement perhaps along the lines of ‘when was that ever a good idea?’. That said, I strongly suspect we have always looked at other peoples’ decisions at times and had similar thoughts. It is not a Covid-19 phenomenon in my experience and questioning of others along with curiosity are surely the drivers of invention, innovation and progress. There continues however to be good news as well as bad. Light at the end of the tunnel is still burning as we hear about the progress being made in vaccine development, diagnostics and therapeutic research in the battle against Covid-19 alone. That would be doing our sector a disservice, since there is also great progress outside of the Covid-19 focus. I am sure all of our eyes are caught by the excellent flow of new investment and R&D collaboration news within the sector where the UK looks on track for a tremendously successful year across multiple therapeutic and technology areas. Under the Covid-19 news canopy, often created by large corporate or Governmental bodies and in the main stream media spotlight, we should not overlook the green shoots of new companies forming, new enabling technology advances and growing personal journeys not focussed on Covid-19. Much of the news flow can be viewed on any of the One Nucleus online channels such as our website, LinkedIn Group or Twitter where we post, share or like member news to keep you updated. This last week it was a pleasure to host the Daiichi Sankyo webinar, raising awareness of the areas in which they would like to enter R&D collaborations. A fantastic 100+ registrations from across the United Kingdom. We are already seeing follow-up connections and hope to see many more. I have always felt that One Nucleus is very fortunate to be working in one of the most innovative industry sectors there is and even more fortunate that we get to facilitate a large number of those innovative people and organisations meeting and interacting. I feel it imperative One Nucleus is innovative also to support such a network. In forthcoming communications, you will hear about some changes, plans and new activities we will introduce to harness what we had, what we have learned to date and what we will continue to learn in the future. I thank our network for the support, feedback and inspiration to try these new things. Jonathan Ive, Chief Design Officer at Apple once said; “It’s very easy to be different, but very difficult to be better”. The One Nucleus team are never shy of a challenge, are eager to implement some of the changes and keep striving to be better. For sure we will not always take the right turn at the first attempt, but I welcome everyone to join us on the incredible journey.
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I am delighted that along with the regular eNews features around upcoming events, member discounts, insights and highlighted deals, this month we are sharing some feedback and further thought about our events and how you can engage.
Tony Jones, CEO, One Nucleus
Upcoming Training Courses 12 October | UK Life Sciences Roadmap - How can we attract, retain and develop talented diverse people to R&D roles? - register 14 October | Pharmaron Webinar: Quantifying Low Metabolic Clearance in Drug Discovery In Vitro Assays, Strategies and Human Extrapolation - reigster 27-28 October | *ONLINE* Introduction to Drug Development - register 02 November | *ONLINE* Introduction to Managing Life Science Projects - register 10 November | Presentation Skills for Scientists - registration opening soon
Your employees are your most valuable asset, and training is an investment in the future of your business. Register your employees for a One Nucleus Training Course today.
Events Strategy “What three factors do you miss or welcome most about online events compared to face-toface meetings?” This was the question we posed in our online survey between 22-25 September, providing responders with a selection of seven factors from which to select their top three. Far from the intention to be an in-depth study, this was more a barometer question among our network that would help inform One Nucleus thinking going forward and importantly signpost towards the aspects our members are finding valuable or challenging. The results (n = 441) are summarised in the following table: Event Aspect Missed or Welcomed
% of responses
Missed: The chance conversations during face-to-face networking not related to the presented content
76%
Welcomed: Reduced travel, time and cost of attending online compared to face-to-face events Missed: Being able to follow up immediately with the speaker/s in person at face-to-face meetings Missed: Ability to discuss the presented content with other delegates during face-to-face networking Welcomed: On-demand access post event to the recorded sessions following online events Welcomed: The option to share comments and questions with other delegates via ‘chat box’ as they arise during presentations Welcomed: Use of the randomly allocated virtual breakout rooms at online networking events to increase delegate-to-delegate introductions
64% 43% 40% 34% 15% 10%
The top results were perhaps unsurprising, even if appearing mutually exclusive in some ways. But between the above results and free text replies what was clear was that of course no one-size fits all. There are absolutely numerous other factors that could have been rated including; greater geographical accessibility, more focussed attendee lists by topic; trust being harder to build online and being better for the environment were all examples mooted in response to the above survey. Of the aspects mentioned above, delving into the reasons and underlying factors that influence the reality or perceptions of online event formats will be intriguing. It raises questions such as: How serendipitous is face-to-face networking at face-to-face events? Do we all have in-built bias to network with known contacts or to select on the basis of their employer? Are breakout room allocations too large compared to natural networking situations? and many more ….
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Event trends during Covid-19 disruption: When considering the trends noticeable across our events portfolio as we have been forced to move online, then the following are conspicuous: An increased volume of events of all types taking place A greater geographical spread of attendees A change in the delegate mix seeing increased diversity across business type and role influenced by topic Increased registration numbers overall for each type of event A reduced presence of professional service attendees Whether the above reflects factors such as the accessibility online, the delegate’s business focus, the influence of the event agenda when serendipitous networking is reduced, changing diary congestion during the Covid-19 disruption or simply the personal preference of those who normally attend events is far from clear. Our goal is to develop mechanisms by which everyone can extract the best possible value. As with all these activities, when looking in the rear-view mirror it is also very easy to compare the best of one format with the sub-optimal experiences of another. Just as it is in R&D or life in general, our collective challenge is to deploy the tools and abilities we have to extract the best possible outcomes. To this end, One Nucleus will be doing some follow up actions to understand some of the dynamics engaged. Follow-up questions in subsequent surveys may well come your way and we will experiment on some formats and topics to see how we can enrich the connectivity and networking aspects many feel they are missing. One Nucleus Future Events Strategy: Looking to the future, when physical events are permitted and we have options, then we will be seeking to deliver a hybrid event portfolio capturing the benefits we have seen with virtual formats but equally addressing what has been missed. In summary, the approach will include: Establishing regular physical networking sessions for those missing the Brownian motion of face-to-face networking, but disrupting that networking less during the session BioWednesdays will move online, enabling them to revert to their traditional regularity whilst retaining the increased delegate diversity and geographical spread Innovation Seminars will be either physical or online events delivered in partnership with our members and will continue to feature in-depth discussion of key therapy, technology and business topics Our major conferences, ON Helix and Genesis, both digital only during 2020, will be back Roundtable discussions, Lunch & Learn and Training courses will remain a stream of activity were the sessions will be either physical or online as required Our international collaborations will continue, now making the most of online facilities to bring awareness, insight and connections for our members to other regions, perhaps ahead of them investing in physical trips
Securing member discounts and profile at the global events such as BioEurope, BIO, NLSDays and more will continue wherever possible Ad hoc sessions will be delivered that create platforms to discuss areas of best practice, emerging government policies and industry challenges and these could be online or physical as required There is no time like the present to get involved. The events schedule is in full swing. Check out the ‘Upcoming Events’ section of this publication to ensure you don’t miss opportunities. We will be testing out some new ideas to address the results of the survey in the coming weeks with international collaborative events and experimenting around the use of the breakout rooms to address the survey results.
Meet Us At... With events season upon us, you’ll be able to find us at an array of industry events. Below you’ll find a short list of events and conferences where One Nucleus will be in attendance. The full list, including links to the conferences, can be found here. • 8 October - Optimum Communications Annual Healthcare Investor Conference • 14-15 October - UK Bioscience Forum • 15 October - MedTech Integrates • 26-27 October - SynbiTECH • 27-30 October - MedTech Innovation Forum • 26-29 October - BIO-Europe
Biotech LGBTQ Group, OUTbio UK Launches There has been a recent formation of the UK branch of OUTbio – an independent network run specifically for the LGBTQ community and its allies within the biotech community in the UK. They hosted their inaugural event on 30th September and virtually connected members from across the UK, sharing experiences and forging new relationships. Given the success of this first meeting, they have decided to formalise the foundation of OUTbio UK and will be planning future events to welcome more members as the network grows. Find out more in the press release here.
genesis digital 10 December 2020 BioNewsRound Award Calling for exciting sector press releases! The BioNewsRound Award is coming back and this year will allow the six finalists to pitch in the lead up to Genesis. The vote will then run before and during the conference via the app and the winner will be announced before the closing networking session. How does it work? Companies are now invited to submit an announcement or press release from within the past 12 months that has had a significant impact on the life science sector as a whole or patients. Deadline for submission is 13 November 2020. You can submit an entry by contacting genesis@onenucleus.com.
Raise Your Profile There are multiple ways to raise your company profile at this year’s Genesis Conference: • Sponsorship Opportunities highlight your logo and company information on the event website, event mailings and conference app • Innovation Workshops are an opportunity to showcase your expertise in hour long workshops on the days surrounding Genesis
Find out more
Biotech Express Your legal springboard for start-up success Biotech is booming, with global revenues expected to top $700bn by 2025. But the industry isn’t just being defined by rapid growth. The radical revolution of the entire life sciences ecosystem is where the real change is being felt. From a new focus on patients, regulators and lenders as partners and fresh pressures on affordability, to unfamiliar collaboration and investment models with non-traditional partners.
So what do the leaders of the next revolution in Biotech really need to succeed? At Pinsent Masons, we’ve been partnering with Biotech leadership teams for over 20 years, helping build long term success in their business by realising the value of their ideas and working to help commercialise them. For many businesses, the lack of robust legal documentation has meant that they don’t have the solid foundations on which to grow the business and exploit the full potential of their ideas. To help ensure that this doesn’t happen to you, our specialist team of life sciences and technology advisors has developed a suite of legal documents that all biotech start-ups can use to help them grow their business in the best way possible. What does the product contain? The package includes the following template documents:
Founder’s Assignment of IP
Consultancy Agreement
One-Way Confidentiality Agreement
Employment Contract
Two-Way Confidentiality Agreement
Grievance procedure policy
Shareholder and Subscription Agreement
Code of conduct and disciplinary policy
Materials Transfer Agreement
Setting up an SAS (only available in France)
Service Agreement
For a standard fixed fee, we will provide you with the full suite of documents plus a one-on-one meeting with one of our specialist life sciences and technology advisors who will work with you to tailor the documents to your requirements, thereby ensuring you have everything you need to help kick-start your business.
The process Register your interest via the registration link here
One of our specialist advisors will be in contact with you to set up a meeting to discuss your requirements
In your one on one meeting with an advisor, they will work with you to tailor the suite of documents to your business’ needs
From this point onwards you will have regular access to our team of 100 sectors specialists spread across 26 offices globally
About Us Our team brings you over 100 sector specialists spread across 26 offices globally, delivering award-winning, multi-disciplinary expertise through a range of technical backgrounds and experience that has been drawn from industry and regulatory bodies. We can support every business-critical activity, from investor relations, planning and development to future-exit strategies and identifying key partners for sale or licensing. Our peerless corporate expertise helps to build a compelling story for investors when securing funding, too. But it’s actually the breadth of expertise we can offer that makes all the difference; from developing robust IP strategies to the regulatory support to get products to market, plus all of the associated challenges of building a nascent, high-growth enterprise. Aligning ourselves to the movement and direction of the industry, rather than the constraints of legal service lines, helps us deliver the kind of multi-disciplinary approach that works brilliantly for disruptive businesses.
How to register You can register your interest via our website – https://www.pinsentmasons.com/other/biotech-express. Alternatively, please contact one of our Biotech Express Leads:
Allistair Booth
Dr. Nina Leonard
Partner, London T: +44 20 7418 8272 M: +44 7500 883 856 E: allistair.booth@pinsentmasons.com
Partner, Munich T: +49 89 203043 533 M: +49 176 101 98 520 E: nina.leonard@pinsentmasons.com
Michael Finn
Inmaculada Castelló
Partner, Dublin T: +353 1 553 8655 M: +353 87 281 8058 E: michael.finn@pinsentmasons.com
Partner, Madrid T: +34 910 484 005 M: +34 607 524 061 E: inmaculada.castello@pinsentmasons.com
Jules Fabre Legal Director, Paris T: +33 1 53 53 08 66 E: jules.fabre@pinsentmasons.com
This note does not constitute legal advice. Specific legal advice should be taken before acting on any of the topics covered. Pinsent Masons LLP is a limited liability partnership, registered in England and Wales (registered number: OC333653) authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the appropriate jurisdictions in which it operates. Reference to ‘Pinsent Masons’ is to Pinsent Masons LLP and/or one or more of the affiliated entities that practise under the name ‘Pinsent Masons’ as the context requires. The word “partner”, used in relation to the LLP, refers to a member or an employee or consultant of the LLP or any affiliated firm, with equivalent standing. A list of members of Pinsent Masons, those non-members who are designated as partners, and non-member partners in affiliated entities, is available for inspection at our offices or at www.pinsentmasons.com. © Pinsent Masons. 112657
For a full list of the jurisdictions where we operate, see www.pinsentmasons.com
Upcoming Webinars & Digital Events One Nucleus Events 14 Oct | Innovation Seminar Series: Metabolic and Infectious Disease - register 21 Oct | BioWednesday Webinar: Preparing for Brexit to Ensure Your Laboratory Supplies Arrive on Time - register 26 Oct | Life Science Marketing Group: Virtually Challenging Events - register 03 Nov | Supporting the Rise of Cell & Gene Therapies – UK and New Jersey Perspectives - register 04 Nov | SLAS & ON Webinar Series: Turn Your Lab Automation Plans Into Action – Part 1 - register 11 Nov | BioWednesday Webinar - register 18 Nov | SLAS & ON Webinar Series: Turn Your Lab Automation Plans Into Action – Part 2 - register 02 Dec | SLAS & ON Webinar Series: Turn Your Lab Automation Plans Into Action – Part 3 - register 10 Dec | Genesis Digital 2020 - register
Industry Events 07-08 Oct | Novogene European User Forum - find out more 08 Oct | COVID-19 Panel Discussion: How to optimise clinical trial and regulatory outcomes after COVID-19 disruption - find out more 12 Oct | UK Life Sciences Roadmap - How can we attract, retain and develop talented diverse people to R&D roles? - find out more 12 Oct | Translating Genomics in Oncology 2020 - find out more 13 Oct | Innovations in Delayed Release for Nutritional Supplements - find out more 14-15 Oct | *MEMBER DISCOUNT* UK Bioscience Forum 2020 - find out more 15 Oct | *MEMBER DISCOUNT* MedTech Integrates 2020 - find out more 15 Oct | Boston: Med-Tech Opportunities Webinar - find out more 15 Oct | Novel Tools for Translational Research - find out more 21 Oct | The ‘How to’ for funding your innovation and business - find out more 22 Oct | Advancing Your Biologics Drug Product - find out more 22 Oct | Texas: Med-Tech Opportunities Webinar - find out more 26-29 Oct | *MEMBER DISCOUNT* BIO-Europe 2020 Digital - find out more 29 Oct | Developing Optimal Formulations - find out more 04-05 Nov | Bionow Oncology Conference - find out more 04-25 Nov | *MEMBER DISCOUNT* RiverRhee: Introduction to Management find out more
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Member Blog Experts in Patent Cases: Who They Are and Why to Hire Them Experts serve important functions in patent infringement litigation. They help investigate the facts and issues surrounding each individual case, assist the judge and jury in understanding complex technical and economic issues, and assist in developing a case strategy. Usually, an expert is retained with the intent that they will provide opinions and testimony in the case, including on ultimate legal issues of the case such as whether a party infringes or whether a patent claim is invalid. Sometimes, however, non-testifying or consulting experts are retained to provide specialized case support at a fraction of the cost.
Click here for the full blog post.
Deal of the Month Immune Regulation Raises £40.6 million Series B Equity Financing The Stevenage / Boston based company raised a significant series B to accelerate the development of its two successful phase 2a compounds and develop its pipeline of product candidate that reset the immune system from a pro-inflammatory state to a balanced state. Developing modified analogues or peptides of endogenous immune-regulatory proteins, they have the potential of truly disturb the inflammatory and immunological diseases space achieving log term disease remission in autoimmune and allergic diseases. Find out more here.
Funding & Support Although the new Biomedical catalyst round is closing, there are other grants opportunities with Innovate UK: InnovateUK Smart Grant: opportunity for UK registered organisations to apply for a share of up to £25M to deliver disruptive R&D innovations that can significantly impact the UK economy. Closing date is 25 November. More nformation can be found here. ---Innovation Continuity Loans: for SMEs with challenge in continuing a live project for which they have an UK award or follows on innovation from a Innovate UK awarded project. Funding available between £250,000 and £1,600,00, application closes on 31 December. More information can be found here.