AMRAD: Pioneer of Australian biotechnology

Abstract

AMRAD is a biotechnology company in the human healthcare sector. Its drug discovery projects are focused on novel cytokine therapies and small molecule anti-viral treatments. The company has a portfolio of early- and late-stage projects and its strategy is to enter into collaborative arrangements with international development partners upon generating proof-of-concept data in clinical trials. AMRAD differs from the typical 'biotech model' insofar as it was initially established as a private technology transfer organisation to serve the commercialisation needs of the publicly funded founding medical research institutes. In return for shares in the company the Member Institutes gave AMRAD a first right of invitation to their research activities. Although the Member Institute arrangement remains an important asset in feeding AMRAD's R&D pipeline, AMRAD's business model has evolved from essentially a service provision role to being actively involved in the progress of new medicines through human clinical trials.