Cancer Focus Fund
Cancer Focus Fund is an investment fund designed to provide financial and logistical support to promising cancer therapies in an effort to accelerate the progress of these compelling treatments through Investigational New Drug (IND) approval and Phase I and Phase Ib/II studies.
This innovative venture capital fund aligns investment professionals with the expertise and infrastructure of MD Anderson to aid small to midsize biopharmaceutical companies, who often face challenges conducting early-stage clinical studies of novel treatments.
Cancer Focus Fund is jointly administered by a committee of MD Anderson physicians and researchers and a committe of experienced biotechnology investment professionals.
For more information please email the Focus Fund at FocusFund@MDAnderson.org
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Cancer Focus Fund FAQs
What is Cancer Focus Fund?
Cancer Focus Fund is an oncology-focused investment fund, which invests in compelling cancer therapies at or near the FDA Phase I or II human clinical trial regimen. The fund offers business, management, IP, clinical, scientific and regulatory support through experienced and proven professionals. We invest in promising therapies in late preclinical development through Phase I and Phase Ib/II clinical trials. Our objective is to provide support to accelerate the development of these therapeutics together with the clinical trial expertise and infrastructure of MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Is Cancer Focus Fund similar to a grant?
No, Cancer Focus Fund does not offer grants. It is a venture capital fund managed by investment professionals.
Why is MD Anderson doing this?
MD Anderson has recognized that there are numerous innovative therapies in development (especially those in areas of high unmet medical need and outside major tumor types) that are not adequately investigated, primarly due to lack of capital. In an effort to ensure that some of these breakthrough agents are adequately clinically investigated, the institution has been able to secure substantial capital to expand the clinical programs for meritorious agents where compelling preclinical translational data supports further development.
What is the typical criteria for an investment by Cancer Focus Fund?
A typical investment will likely have the following criteria:
- Oncology therapeutic-focused trial
- Phase Ia or Ib trial starting within 8-12 months
- Financed trial(s) designed by, or in collaboration with investigators at MD Anderson, and conducted primarily at the cancer center.
If selected, what is required by the asset owner or biotech?
The asset owner must be willing for the MD Anderson Key Opinion Leaders to design and lead the efforts in the clinical trial. The trial would ideally be single-site MD Anderson, however, in the majority of cases, the asset owner will retain the ability to decide what the "exit" strategy for the asset will be if the clinical trials are successful (i.e. keep development in-house, out-license, assignment, etc.)
What is the selection and qualification process?
Each asset owner must complete an application that consists of the following items:
- Focus Five Questions
- Focus Five Introductory slide deck to complement the application
- 3-way CDA (between asset owner, MD Anderson and Cancer Focus Fund)
MD Anderson will internally scientifically evaulate each asset and will make recommendations to Cancer Focus Fund's investment team. After full technical, corporate and IP diligence is complete and a clinical study agreement has been drafted, the fund's Investment Committee will vote to fund the program.
After an application is submitted, how long will it take to receive feedback?
Typically, we will provide feedback about 5-7 weeks after the submission deadline. During this time, the application will be in scientific review. During this period, we will reach out to you if further information is required.
What does the fund NOT cover?
The fund does not cover any costs outside the institution. This includes, but is not limited to: CROs, internal company costs, GMP costs and combo therapy drugs (that are not considered standard of care). The fund is intended to cover only costs incurred at MD Anderson.
What is the typical investment size?
The typical investment is expected to be between $4-7 million USD, which is typically sufficient for several Phase Ib proof-of-concept expansion arms.
What does the fund typically receive in return for its investment?
The fund typically receives equity in the asset owner and downstream economics tied to the asset being tested (% of licensing consideration, regulatory and sales milestones and/or royalties on net sales).
Will there be an opportunity to expand the clinical trail beyond MD Anderson?
Yes. If the institution finds it to be in the best interest of the trial to expand to additional sites, the trial will first be expanded to Ochsner Health and/or LSU Health Shreveport. Expansion to other sites will be considered as deemed necessary or appropriate. Trial design will occur at MD Anderson and must be adhered to at other clinical trial sites.
Is there a formal partnership between MD Anderson, Cancer Focus Fund, Ochsner and LSU Health Shreveport?
Yes. Ochsner and LSU Health Shreveport will be considered the sole Phase I preferred partners for cohort expansion of the clinical trials. The partnership provides (i) access to an expanded patient population, (ii) clinical trial time and cost efficiencies through preferred relationships and (iii) increased geographic reach.
Scientific Advisory Board
Timothy Yap, MBBS, Ph.D., FRCP
Tim Heffernan, Ph.D.
Christopher Flowers, M.D.
Michael Curran, Ph.D.
Amir Jazaeri, M.D.
David Hong, M.D.
Naval Daver, M.D.
Scott Kopetz, M.D., Ph.D., FACP
Jason Bock, Ph.D.
Lauren Byers, M.D.
Marc Matrana, M.D.
Hussein Tawbi, M.D., Ph.D.
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