Xconomy: Third Rocks Mark Levin: Ultra-Super Positive on Biotech Innovation
Summary
The firm’s model is to infuse companies with $30 to $40 million in startup capital, then work closely with them to develop their clinical product candidates and to bring on additional partners to fund further growth.Levin will pass along tales of innovation and tips for success at Xconomy’s April 4 forum, New England’s Emerging Biotech Stars.When there’s a single gene mutation that can be addressed, you have the opportunity to do breakthrough science, so we’re building multiple startups around rare genetic disorders.Yes, we worry about regulatory challenges, but we believe if we can develop products that make a major difference, pharmaceutical companies and other venture capitalists will invest along with us.X: Recently you have struck funding deals involving pharmaceutical companies—Sanofi with Warp Drive Bio and Genentech with Constellation Pharmaceuticals—that give them an option to buy the startups down the road.