TTO Strategic IP Portfolio Review

Synopsis

For Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), evaluating and prioritizing intellectual property (IP) portfolios is a critical step in determining the best allocation of internal funding and resources. A structured, data-driven triage process helps assess research programs based on their scientific, technical, and commercial potential. Over the past fifteen years, we have successfully conducted this process with universities across the U.S. and Europe, providing actionable insights to support strategic decision-making. 

The below case study outlines how a leading university TTO engaged us to conduct an independent evaluation of several life science research programs. The goal was to assess the commercial potential of the projects and determine which technologies were best positioned for further development. Among the technologies reviewed was a novel probiotic delivery system for antimicrobial peptides, developed as a potential therapeutic approach for infectious diseases.

Project Scope:

The university’s TTO sought external expertise to analyze multiple early-stage research programs from its faculty investigators. The objectives of the engagement were to:

• Assess the commercial viability of select research programs within the portfolio.
• Evaluate gaps in scientific and technical validation that could impact commercialization.
• Determine the most viable clinical positioning for each specific technology.
• Develop an informed basis for resource allocation decisions within the TTO.

As part of this effort, the probiotic delivery system for antimicrobial peptides was reviewed for its technical feasibility, potential clinical applications, and industry relevance. The assessment focused on understanding how the technology compared to existing approaches, what additional validation steps were necessary, and what factors would influence potential industry interest.

While antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a global healthcare challenge, commercializing new antimicrobial therapies presents well-documented challenges related to market constraints, reimbursement models, and stewardship-driven use of novel antibiotics. These factors were considered in the evaluation.

Project Approach:

Alacrita assembled a multidisciplinary team with expertise in microbiome-based therapeutics, infectious disease, and biotech commercialization to conduct a structured assessment of the technology.

The process included three primary components:

1. Scientific & Clinical Feasibility Analysis
   • Reviewed the disclosed research and supporting data to assess the technology’s mechanism of action and experimental findings.
   • Assessed existing preclinical data and identified potential areas for further scientific validation.
     
     
2. Market Positioning & Commercial Considerations
   • Examined potential clinical applications and how the technology compared to existing antimicrobial approaches.
   • Reviewed the competitive landscape, including available and emerging antimicrobial strategies.
   • Outlined regulatory classification pathways and considerations relevant to the technology’s development.
     
     
3. Development Pathway & Industry Engagement Strategy
   • Identified key experimental steps that could further substantiate aspects of the technology’s mechanism and performance.
   • Outlined critical data milestones that could be relevant to potential industry engagement.
   • Presented findings to the university’s TTO committee, providing an evidence-based assessment to support decision-making.

Project Results:

The probiotic delivery system was assessed based on technical feasibility, commercial viability, and industry positioning. The evaluation identified key aspects, including:

• Scientific and technical foundation - The evaluation reviewed the disclosed research and supporting data to assess the technology’s mechanism of action and existing experimental findings. Areas for further scientific validation were identified.
• Clinical and market considerations - The assessment examined potential clinical applications and compared the technology to existing approaches in similar therapeutic areas.
• Regulatory landscape - The review outlined relevant regulatory classification pathways and manufacturing considerations associated with product development.
• Data generation strategy - Key experimental steps were identified that could further substantiate aspects of the technology’s mechanism and performance.

These findings were discussed with the lead investigators and then presented to the university’s TTO committee to support decisions on funding allocation and potential commercialization strategies.

More information on how we support life science tech transfer: 

Alacrita works with universities, research institutes, and centers of innovation to help them understand the commercial viability of their programs, bridge the gap between them and the industry, and guide them towards successfully partnering, licensing or spinning-out scientific discoveries. In the current funding environment, tech transfer offices may be forced to carry programs, placing even more importance on optimizing and prioritizing resource allocation.