Life Sciences Major

Problem: To Buy or Build?

Our client runs a portfolio of high value R&D activities across a number of therapeutic areas. As events unfold it needs to be able to judge impact, identify actions, make a decision and communicate this strategy across the organisation.

Description: R&D Portfolio

The R&D portfolio is a multi-$bn investment that must respond to events such as research success rates or competitor actions – and every extra day taken making a decision has a direct cost worth $ms. Our client used SmithBayes to develop a view of its portfolio that embedded the available strategic options such as continue internal research ('build'), acquire capability ('buy') or exit development in response to market events.

Outcome: Shorter Decision Cycle

SmithBayes enabled our client to gain a better understanding of the options available through the R&D cycle and how this changed over time. This enabled the firm to start and explore applying the faster, more nimble 'biotech' business models.