Panel discussion 1: Translational directions of synthetic biology

“There is a point when technology goes from being interesting to investment-worthy, and I think synthetic biology is at that point,” said Lluis Pareras, founder of Invivo Capital in Barcelona. Moving from research to investment and real-life application of advances was the topic of the first of two panel discussions at this B·Debate session. Pareras recognized that something is hovering around in the world of synthetic biology, because “it’s hard to understand the exact definition of synthetic biology: is it really engineering or is it an evolution of traditional techniques? In any case, it’s here and it’s in clinical practice, which as an investor makes me almost paranoid.”

A clear evolution of these techniques is CRISPR, the genetic cut-and-paste technology the intellectual property rights to which have not yet been resolved, with open legal disputes still pending resolution. “The problem with patents is painful for all parties and, as an investor, makes me nervous,” recognized Sylvain Sachot, director of investment at Asabys Partners.

Pareras offered a few tips for developing a product of this nature: be clear on the intellectual property rights, take into account that science tends to advance faster than regulatory issues, send a clear message to society, surround yourself with a good team, focus on areas with a real clinical need and base your company on products with solid data from research on animals and in pre-clinical models.

In the debate, the issue came up of how to improve the relationship between academia (more classical research) and companies, which are more focused on product development and the market. For John L. Collins, Operations and Commercial director at SynbiCITE in London, specific communication regarding resources and solutions should be encouraged, instead of just being satisfied with the desire to collaborate. According to Pareras, academia is a great place to think, but not so much to do. And “if you’re genuine and have good ideas, companies will listen to you,” assured Laia Crespo, head of Europe at Sanofi Ventures.

How, then, to bring these useful applications from academia to the market? “It’s probably a good idea to create a start-up,” said Pareras, “although each experience can have and require a different path.” Crespo agreed, saying the path “depends on the technology. The first thing is to speak with the technology transfer office at your institution.” According to Collins, you shouldn’t go to the United States: “80% of start-ups fail there, while almost the reverse is true in Europe. First look at Europe. We’re doing things smarter here,” he said, provocatively. And within Europe, “Barcelona has the potential to be a great place to give a project that push.