For startup biotech companies, there are many benefits to licensing drug candidates to major drug developers. Partners can be an excellent source of non-dilutive financing, provide the company with validation, and ensure that the drug candidate will have the support it needs to reach the marketplace. However, it is important for biotech entrepreneurs to avoid … Continue reading “How to Find Balance in Biotech, Between Owning It All or Finding a Partner”
Author: Bob Baltera
Bob Baltera is the CEO of San Diego-based Amira Pharmaceuticals. Bob is a seasoned pharmaceutical industry executive, who acquired a wealth of business and product management experience during 17 years with biotech pioneer Amgen. Before becoming Amira’s CEO, Bob held a number of senior management positions at Amgen, the last being vice president of corporate and contract manufacturing.
A scientist by training, Bob joined Amgen at the beginning of his career as a research associate but quickly moved to the operations side of the business, working in finance, product development and commercial operations. He successfully used his collective experience to serve as team leader responsible for the approval of Kineret™ in rheumatoid arthritis, a highlight of his many accomplishments while at Amgen.
Bob has a master’s of business administration from the Anderson School at UCLA and earned his bachelor’s degree in microbiology and a master’s degree in genetics from The Pennsylvania State University. Bob also serves on the board of directors for Organovo, Inc.