Financing translation: Analysis of the NCATS rare-diseases portfolio
Author(s)
Fagnan, David E.; Yang, N. Nora; McKew, John C.; Lo, Andrew W
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The portfolio of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) rare-diseases therapeutic development program comprises 28 research projects initiated at the preclinical stage. Historical data reveal substantially lower costs and higher success rates but longer preclinical timelines for the NCATS projects relative to the industry averages for early-stage translational medical research and development (R&D) typically cited in literature. Here, we evaluate the potential risks and rewards of investing in a portfolio of rare-disease therapeutics. Using a “megafund” financing structure, NCATS data, and valuation estimates from a panel of industry experts, we simulate a hypothetical megafund in which senior and junior debt yielded 5 and 8%, respectively. The simulated expected return to equity was 14.7%, corresponding to a modified internal rate of return of 21.6%. These returns and the likelihood of private-sector funding can be enhanced through third-party funding guarantees from philanthropies, patient advocacy groups, and government agencies.
Date issued
2015-02Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory; Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Operations Research Center; Sloan School of ManagementJournal
Science Translational Medicine
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Citation
Fagnan, D. E., N. N. Yang, J. C. McKew, and A. W. Lo. “Financing Translation: Analysis of the NCATS Rare-Diseases Portfolio.” Science Translational Medicine 7, no. 276 (February 25, 2015): 276ps3–276ps3.
Version: Author's final manuscript
ISSN
1946-6234
1946-6242