Living cell technologies : finding a path to market for xenotranspiantation therapy

Abstract

This case examines the research commercialisation process of the biotech company Living Cell Technologies (LCT). The case outlines the process of pre-clinical and clinical trials undertaken by the company as they moved towards commercialising their pig islet cell treatment for Type 1 diabetes including the research and development and manufacturing capabilities the firm had developed. Also the case describes the challenges in bringing a sometimes controversial biotech product to market, including regulatory hurdles, rapid changes to legislation, the impact of public opinion and the difficulties in raising capital, maintaining cash flow and developing a pipeline of opportunities over a long period of commercialisation