US investors eye Queensland biotech

Queensland biotechnology companies are set to receive an increased visibility with overseas investors, following the signing of a partnership between a US venture capital group and a group of leading Queensland life sciences entities.

The partnership between Burrill & Company and the Queensland group - including the state government - aims to attract more attention and, ultimately, investment into Queensland’s burgeoning biotechnology industry and will also help profile local projects and companies to the international marketplace.

The agreement, managed by Queensland Clinical Trials Network (QCTN), includes leading local entities: Clinical Network Services (CNS); Griffith Enterprise (Griffith University); Q-Pharm; QUTbluebox (Queensland University of Technology); and TetraQ, which will feature at Burrill & Company-presented events and in publications over the next 18 months, to gain access to Burrill & Company’s clients and investor pool.

QCTN CEO Mario Pennisi said the partnership will be invaluable for the state’s biotech industry in securing funding to take research projects from the laboratory through to commercialisation.

“Having a group such as Burrill & Company with their high profile, excellent reputation history, experience and expertise in life sciences investment will be of great benefit to our members and the Queensland biotechnology industry in general,” Pennisi said.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh made the announcement of the US$70,000 deal while on a joint visit to a major Californian bio-pharmaceutical facility with Burrill & Company founder and CEO Steve Burrill.

Burrill & Company invest in life science companies, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, medical devices, nutraceuticals, agriculture and industrial biotechnology ventures.