If you’re trying to locate solutions for challenges in business development, alliance management, corporate stress or in a collaboration between Japan and the US/EU, don’t get lost. Use GPS.
GPS. When you need to get from here to there.
GPS provides practical and economical solutions to business development challenges for the pharmaceutical industry. In particular, GPS offers a range of services to early stage biotech start-ups and venture backed pharmaceutical companies.
Understanding that at the onset of any venture, successful near-term growth is how we attract the assets we need, GPS offers business development services on a contract basis to allow for a focused and cost effective means to achieve the goals that prerequisite a growing company and a growing staff.
GPS supports three main business development activities:
* Business Development Management
* Alliance Management
* Corporate Stress
* Japan and US/EU Relations
Mark Smith has been active in pharmaceutical business development for over 15 years, the majority of which have been as the sole western member of Asahi Kasei Pharma’s (AKP) licensing department. Initially working to facilitate a collaboration between AKP and SmithKline Beecham, Mark expanded the scope of his position to lead out-licensing initiatives for many of AKP’s compounds, identify candidates for AKP’s in-licensing activities, and direct AKP activities at international conferences. In 2006, together with NGN Capital, he helped form Artisan Pharma, and managed the alliance between AKP in Japan and Artisan’s Board of Directors in the US, eventually being appointed to the board and subsequently managing the company prior to its acquisition.
After leading the acquisition of Artisan for AKP and its transition to AKP’s US clinical development subsidiary, Asahi Kasei Pharma America, Mark moved to the new company’s headquarters in Boston, where he acted as Corporate Secretary, Vice President of Business Development and Vice President of General Administration.
In 2012, he obtained his qualifications as a Certified Licensing Professional.
Prior to moving to Japan, Mark served as an officer in the United Stated Army where he acquired his management skills and approach to problem solving. Mark is a graduate from Clarkson University and has a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is a Certified Licensing Professional® (2240) and a member of Licensing Executive Society (LES).
John Costantino, General Partner
NGN Capital
Bernard Peperstraete, MD Partner
NGN Capital
GPS is dedicated to fulfilling four missions:
GPS is well poised to provide an organization with a full range of business development services or to assist in the ongoing efforts of an existing business development group. Activities that GPS can spearhead include, but are not limited to:
* Partner/Asset search and identification
* Produce and deliver presentation materials
* Initiate and manage dialogue with potential partners
* Negotiate deal terms
* Overcome deal hurdles with creative and unique solutions
GPS can serve as a bridge between an organization and its corporate and/or financial partners. Providing and managing expectations between partners and senior management has always been indispensable for successful enterprises. Acting as a third party gives a certain objectivity which focuses efforts on maintaining a good rapport between all involved parties and encourage a spirit of collaboration.
The goal is to exceed group and individual expectations of success.
Providing an outside interpretation of a company’s internal and/or external operations, GPS provides practical and economic options that management may use to improve efficiency and productivity. In times where a biotech company finds itself embroiled in dynamics that deter from its mission, a third party’s analysis is key to finding impartial and emotionally detached solutions. GPS can offer a vantage point which enables management to affect these solutions to improve corporate functions in support of its mission.
Perhaps the greatest hidden strength of GPS is the extensive experience within Japanese pharma. While some consultants can claim five or even ten years’ experience in Japan, very, very few can boast of 15 years’ experience within a business development unit of a Japanese Pharma company located in Japan. This experience gives GPS a unique insight in what makes deals work between Japan and pharma partners in the US and EU.
For both the western and Japanese pharmaceutical company, this offers the promise of saving time and avoiding misunderstanding due to the vast language and cultural differences that are inherent in establishing a partnership of this nature.
Global Pharma Solutions, LLC
34 Hudson Street
Johnsburg, NY 12843
Tel: 518.321.7667
Fax: 518.251.5204
