Making the Most of Industry Partnership Opportunities

In the world of tech transfer, networking and making connections with industry partners is essential to develop lasting partnerships. When new networks are created, they foster the exchange of ideas and long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

The FLC is excited to sponsor events such as the AUTM Oncology Partnering Forum which allows for those in tech transfer to be more proactive in their search for potential partner companies while also receiving valuable intel on upcoming company needs. The Forum is a rare opportunity for tech transfer managers to meet with so many scouts in one, show off their discoveries, and learn about pipeline prospects.

Lauren Nguyen-Antczak, Senior Technology Transfer Manager for the National Cancer Institute recently shared that the upcoming Oncology Partnering Forum is an opportunity for industry, and academia collaboration and discussion on what the future of oncology research looks like.

“There is sometimes a disconnect between a tech transfer office and potential company partners when it comes to aligning development goals,” said Nguyen-Antczak. “An event like this helps to bridge the divide as oncology alliance managers will be sharing intel on their discovery pipelines, current scouting priorities, and processes for vetting academic technologies.”

One focus of the event will be a panel discussion on Partnering in the Immuno-Oncology Landscape. According to Nguyen-Antczak, Immuno-Oncology (I-O) is a newer modality of research with the focus being on using the body’s own immune system to fight cancer and moving away from more traditional toxins used to kill cancer cells. Several I-O agents recently obtained product approvals indicating strong investment appetite to develop even more I-O agents.

“The industry partners present have already identified oncology as a funding focus and they’ve doubled-down their financial commitment to growing this area of research,” said Nguyen-Antczak.