Science is at the heart of cell and gene therapies, but business strategy is the lifeblood that ensures its survival and success. As a former healthcare provider and scientist with over 25 years of experience in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, I learned early on that scientific advances alone do not guarantee market success. After moving into leadership roles, I realized that developing and executing the right business strategies is critical, especially in a landscape like CGT where investment is scarce, competition is fierce and failure is not an option. For innovation to shine in the real world, it must be accompanied by a strong understanding of business drivers, market needs and strategic planning.
Since taking the helm at Likarda, my objective has been to fully harness the power of the latest technology by aligning a thoughtful business strategy for cell encapsulation and delivery effectively. The science is innovative, but it was the revised strategic approach that realized the potential. By analyzing market trends, assessing unmet needs, and taking a close look at where resources and investments were directed, I began to see broader applications based on the technology’s versatility, which we positioned in cellular, biologic, molecular, and molecular therapies. small and even. cryopreservation logistics. Diversifying our product line also ensured that we were not dependent on a single market segment.
The main strategic pillars that every scientist or entrepreneur should embrace when entering the commercial world are:
Hypothesis generation is crucial in business strategy. You must constantly ask, “What do patients, doctors or industry leaders need that is not being met?” Understanding the broader healthcare ecosystem and identifying true pain points is essential to shaping a product or technology that will stand out. For Likarda, a deep dive into unmet needs made us realize that our Core-Shell Spherification technology had the potential to disrupt many sectors.
Once you have proof of concept, it’s essential to ask “What next?” Expanding applications into new markets is a vital business strategy, especially when resources are limited. In the CGT space, funding often falls short. Having a diversified approach allows companies to build resilience.
Every entrepreneur must learn the language of finance. Knowing how to read a balance sheet, understand capital efficiency, and project ROI are just as important as understanding the science behind your technology. Set realistic financial goals, secure the right funding partners and allocate resources wisely.
A business model that works today may not work tomorrow. Whether it’s regulatory changes, technological advances or evolving competition, you need to stay agile. Be prepared to go back to being a platform game to not become a one-product company.
Every great scientific discovery must eventually be commercialized to benefit society. Can you produce at scale? Can you deliver consistent results in different markets? Make sure you have the operational infrastructure in place and think about the path to commercialization early.
Creating partnerships with larger corporations, academic institutions or even competitors can help you scale more quickly and efficiently. For example, our collaboration with pharmaceutical companies and other partners allowed us to explore new pipelines by leveraging their expertise and resources.
In closing, successful leadership in the cell and gene therapy (CGT) space requires more than scientific acumen—it requires a fusion of visionary strategy and practical business acumen. By knowing unmet market needs, diversifying core technology applications, maintaining financial discipline, anticipating change and forming strategic partnerships, we not only position our company to thrive, but also ensure that the innovations we pioneer have the greatest possible impact on patients. lives These strategies collectively form a roadmap for bringing therapies to market that are not only groundbreaking in their science, but sustainable in their execution. At the heart of everything we do remains the ultimate goal: to deliver transformative, life-enhancing solutions for patients around the world. In this fast-paced and competitive landscape, it is this blend of science and strategy that will define tomorrow’s leaders.
By combining the latest technology with strong business fundamentals, we aim not only to survive, but to shape the future of medicine.