about us : what are we looking for?

Specifically, we are looking for biotechnology companies with:

• A novel drug discovery engine that can produce clinically differentiated products
• The capability or aspiration to develop compounds to clinical proof of concept
• A world-leading position in an innovative technology, biology, or therapeutic field based on first-class science
• A strong management team and a top-tier investor base

Setting up R&D alliances is a critical and time-consuming activity, but we respond expeditiously and specifically to collaboration opportunities. The CEEDD team is small, so decisions on whether to move forward are made quickly. If there is initial interest in a collaboration proposal, we invite the biotech management team to present their company and science to the CEEDD Leadership Team. A positive outcome to this meeting will mean moving forward to business discussions, then, assuming alignment, progressing to due diligence.

Due diligence includes discussions with scientists, industry experts, consultants and other knowledgeable sources plus a direct review by GSK personnel of your technology, facilities, intellectual property, scientific data, finances, business organisation, legal agreements etc. The keys to a successful due diligence process are management's provision of complete information in response to questions and making critical employees, advisors, or experts available for due diligence inquiries.

In parallel with the due diligence, we conduct business negotiations. As GSK is a large, multi-functional company, both the deal structure and the due diligence report need to be approved by internal committees. The CEEDD sponsors the collaboration proposal through these committees assuming the successful conclusion of the due diligence process and definition of a mutually agreeable deal structure.

Outside the CEEDD, GSK may also be interested in other types of collaborations with some companies – co-development, single asset in-licensing, early research collaborations, technology licensing, co-marketing/co-promotion arrangements etc. These agreements would fall under the remit of GSK’s Worldwide Business Development group to whom the CEEDD refers any such opportunities we encounter.