Why CAMI?

Image

The drug development pipeline is changing. Large pharmaceutical companies are increasingly focusing their resources on later stages of drug development, leaving smaller biotechnology companies to fill the void of earlier stage biomedical research. Since 2010, almost half of all first-in-class Food and Drug Administration-approved oncology drugs originated in small-to-medium-size biotechnology companies, and less than 15% of such drugs originated in larger pharmaceutical companies.

At CAMI, we see a need and an opportunity to contribute to this changing pipeline of developing new therapies.

Academic scientists are taking active roles to translate their fundamental research into new therapies. This often means founding biotechnology startup companies to ensure the findings are given a chance to develop into new medicines. If the startups demonstrate promise, larger pharmaceutical companies enter the equation through acquisitions and carry these now de-risked medicines across the finish line.

CAMI will help the development of new medicines by:

• Hiring entrepreneurial scientists with creative, early-stage ideas for new medicines and therapies.
• Providing support and resources to scientists to lead small research teams.
• Working with scientists to ensure key proof-of-concept studies are completed within three years.
• Providing connections with investors and pharmaceutical companies who can provide guidance to ensure goals are aligned from the earliest stages of the work.
• Supporting the transition of research teams from the University of Arizona to become founders of biotechnology startup companies.