J&J sets up life science centres
pharmafile | September 19, 2012 | News story | Business Services, Manufacturing and Production, Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | J&J, JJ, R&D, innovation
Johnson & Johnson is to set up what it calls regional innovation centres in a bid to speed up the manufacturer’s early-stage involvement in pharma, medical device, diagnostics and consumer health projects.
Four locations in California, Boston, London and China have been identified by J&J because they are near to potential partners and investors in ‘innovation hotspots’.
More detail will be available in the coming months as the centres become operational, but for now the firm says that each will contain science and technology experts and possess the authority and flexibility to make local deals.
J&J believes that setting up shop in the midst of cutting-edge research at the campuses, science parks and laboratories of the US, UK and China offers a real chance to simplify its offering to the tech and scientific pioneers who make these places tick.
“Our goal is to become an active part of these ecosystems,” said Diego Miralles, head of the new California innovation centre.
This new venture is specifically aimed at engaging start-ups and small companies and the centres will co-ordinate the existing work of J&J’s Development Corporation and RedScript Ventures businesses.
Later-stage licensing and acquisitions, plus any deals with larger pharma firms and biotechs, or merger and acquisition activities, will continue to be managed by J&J’s business development team.
The centres allow J&J to be closer to where the innovation occurs, to access and invest in the best early-stage science and technology, and to fuel its own business, explained Paul Stoffels, worldwide chairman, pharmaceuticals.
“Together with innovators and entrepreneurs, we can more rapidly deliver value and make a difference in the health and lives of people worldwide,” added Stoffels, who will be J&J’s chief scientific officer from 1 October.
London centre head Patrick Verheyen said his new operation would strengthen relationships with local entrepreneurs. “Ultimately, they will serve to help us more quickly identify and tap into technological advancements,” he said.
Adam Hill
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