"Discovery occurs at all stages of commercialization. Discovering a concept does not necessarily discover the application. Our expertise, combined with the concept of the Benchmark Enhanced Asset Model (BEAM), gives us the ability to identify appropriate development timelines and to reduce project risk, enabling our customer's goals to be reached efficiently and effectively."

Tim Miller, President


Discovery / Technology Validation

Benchmark Enhanced Asset Model - BEAM

Benchmark applies a proven and predictable stage-gate approach to move assets beyond the discovery stage. This process increases the value of an asset by reducing the risk and offering development within a controlled expense and time environment.

  1. Assessment phase

    Description: Complete asset evaluation, including the Regulatory, Laboratory, Clinical, Manufacturing, Business Development and Intellectual Property aspects.
    Deliverables: Generate a report, including detailed recommendations for development of the asset, including risk assessment and probability of success
    Next Step Options (Go/No Go gate):

    1. License the asset.
    2. Return to the discovery group for additional basic research.
    3. Initiate the Laboratory work stage.

    Cost: Up to $50,000, depending on the complexity of the asset.
    Timeline: 6 to 8 weeks.

  1. Laboratory phase

    Description: Program of in vitro tests designed to better characterize the assets, reagents and assays in order to define the various control points.
    Deliverables:

    • Define and characterize the Asset/Technology.
    • Create assays, reagents, and laboratory protocols for asset management.
    • The asset becomes controllable in R&D and manufacturing environments.
    • Risks to potential licensees/investors are reduced - asset value is enhanced.
    • Risk assessment/probability of success.

    Next Step Options (Go/No Go gate):

    1. License the asset.
    2. Return to the discovery group for additional basic research.
    3. Initiate preclinical/clinical animal studies.

    Cost: $100 000 to $350 000.
    Timeline: 9 to 12 weeks.

  1. Clinical / Pre-clinical phase

    Description: Perform animal studies in order to confirm the asset's characteristics in a target or surrogate model. The objective is for the asset to become predictable in terms of future development timelines and amenable to accurate financial modeling.
    Deliverables:

    • Establish Clinical Models in Target or Surrogate Species.
    • Conduct 1 to 3 animal studies with scientific design.
    • Establish clinical models in target or surrogate species.
    • Determine protocols and parameters as a basis for registration studies.
    • Enhance the value of the asset for the licensee/investor.
    • Risk assessment.

    Next Step Options (Go/No Go gate):

    1. Terminate work.
    2. License the asset.
    3. Develop a product application.

    Cost: $100 000 to $500 000.
    Timeline: 9 to 12 weeks.

The Results of the Model

Completion of the 3-step process yields a well-characterized asset whose value is clear and supported by confirmatory laboratory and clinical data. The holder of the asset now has the information necessary to initiate a full development path, utilizing one of the following strategies:

  1. Attract interest and license the assets to a third party to develop the product applications. In this scenario, the Benchmark Business Development team can support the search for a licensee.
  2. Undertake development of the asset to product registration. Benchmark can provide full development of the asset, including regulatory approval and manufacturing, as well as assisting the holder of the asset to secure the necessary capital to support development.