New research sees funding gap leading to further consolidatin of biotech industry

The depth and virulence of the financial crisis means that the funding model for the biotechnology industry will have to change, leading to a  period of increased consolidation, according to the latest annual  biotechnology report issued by Marks & Clerk, a leading, UK-based  intellectual property firm.

The study, based on an international survey of 365 executives across  the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, also reveals a widespread  belief that US President Barack Obama's recently-announced initiatives  and reforms will strengthen the position of the US as a center for the  industry, providing a further threat to Europe and the UK in  particular. Britain currently enjoys a strong position within the  industry, which Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling is looking  to boost via the newly-created Strategic Investment Fund announced in  the Budget.

Lack of appetite for risk