Melbourne, Wednesday 16 July: Brandon BioCatalyst's national biotech incubator, CUREator, is set to deliver a program with support from CSIRO that will assist Australian biotechs developing novel therapeutics across the preclinical and clinical stages thanks to a $33 million grant from the $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund.
Up to 15 biotechs demonstrating exceptional therapeutic and commercial potential across the preclinical and clinical stages will receive between $1 million and $5 million in non-dilutive funding to support their translation and commercialisation activities.
Since its inception, CUREator has established a track record of funding translational research activities, supporting spinouts from research institutes, and facilitating introductions to global investors and pharmaceutical partners.
"In just four years, CUREator and CUREator+ have deployed over $58 million in government funding to 57 biotech startups, unlocking more than $100 million in follow-on investment and enabling 17 Australian clinical trials. Today's grant enables us to continue to provide high-potential teams and technologies with the capital, expertise and global connectivity they need to transform cutting-edge science into therapies that improve lives while strengthening Australia's biotech sector," said Brandon BioCatalyst co-founder and CEO, Dr Chris Nave.
CUREator will continue its pioneering performance-based model, which releases funding to the biotech companies, selected by the independent CUREator Investment Review Committee, in tranches upon the attainment of milestones.
The model, which prepares awardees for the discipline of private investment, is strengthened by industry feedback provided via the International Pharma Advisory Committee, and a partnership with Australia's national science agency, CSIRO. CSIRO's Biomedical Manufacturing researchers will provide biotechs across the therapeutic discovery pipeline with access to technical expertise, training, and mentorship.
"Connecting researchers with experts who understand the complexity of turning discoveries into therapies is embedded into every program Brandon BioCatalyst runs, including CUREator. It is also an approach that is integral to how we manage the Brandon Capital portfolio," said Dr Nave.
Recognising that success in biotech requires more than groundbreaking science, Brandon Capital's venture experience ensures participants receive the critical guidance needed to attract talent, secure investment and navigate the complex path from research to commercialisation.
"Brandon Capital's recent achievements, including one exit (embargoed) and two FDA-approved therapies, reflect the strength of our model and are what sets CUREator apart from other biotech incubator programs. The strong momentum and engagement toward the closing of our sixth fund is evidence of our ability to deliver long-term returns to our investors, some of whom have been with us since our first fund in 2007, and the strength of the broader Australian medical R&D ecosystem." said Dr Nave.
Thanks to the MRFF funding, which supports the translation of research into potential therapies, growing advanced manufacturing and sovereign resilience, is designed to augment the funding committed by NHMRC by identifying those with commercial potential.
The program is scheduled to open applications later this year.
