Abstract

Part of the Biotechnology lecture series

The discovery of RNAi interference gene suppression in humans opened up the prospect of creating a transformative new class of medicines similar in importance to small molecules and monoclonal antibodies. A decade on, amid steady scientific progress, RNAi therapeutics has gone from most-hyped to most-ridiculed technology before entering the current phase in which, for the first time, business expectations and scientific realities have begun to align.

In his talk, Dr Haussecker will be discussing the factors that have been driving the rapid swings in public/investor perceptions and will try to distill general lessons applicable to the development of other new biotechnology platforms. Although the jury is still out, the evidence, including well-received recent clinical trial results, point towards developing solutions to technical bottlenecks and building scientific credibility to be the most rewarding early-stage business development strategy.

Date: Wednesday 21st November Time: 7PM Location: Plant Sciences lecture theatre, Downing Site. [map: www.map.cam.ac.uk] Free for BioSoc members; 1 pound entry for non-members.