The European biotech industry could be at risk under new EU consultation on technology transfer regulations, says the organiser of this industry event
The European Commission is running a consultation on new technology transfer licensing legislation, which, if accepted, could make licensing deals difficult to implement in the European Union.
This could seriously hinder the competitiveness of the European biotechnology industry.
Indeed, licensing strategies are key to building a sustainable European bioindustry, and this will be one of the talking points at Cordia, the biotechnology industry event, taking place in Vienna 2-4 December 2003.
The new proposal to change the regulations for licensing of technologies comes at a time when licensing deals are crucially important for biotech companies and academic researchers to capitalise on their innovative technology, and for the pharma industry to feed its ailing pipeline with novel molecules.
Until now, explicit Commission approval was necessary for any technology licensing agreement that didn't fall into certain categories, covered under the so-called 'block exemption'.
The new regulation, if approved, would reduce the number of licenses covered by the block exemption and being retroactive, it could also affect existing licensing deals.
The deadline to comment on the European Commission's draft legislation is 26 November.
"Licensing deals with pharmaceutical companies signify the maturity of the European biotech industry.
These partnerships not only feed the pipeline of big pharmaceutical companies, but are also essential to enable the advancement of molecules developed by biotechnology companies and ensure their availability to patients," commented Jean-Francois Mouney, CEO of Genfit and chairman of Cordia's session on partnership strategies.
Cordia-EuropaBio will provide a forum of discussion and debate on the outcome of this key issue within the conference track entitled Partnerships of the Future - Stimulating Growth.
Cordia's partnering forum will also be a unique opportunity for companies to discuss partnership opportunities.
