Proteome Systems Limited: the first five years

Abstract

Description: A Sydney-based biotechnology company is moving from the development of proteomics technology to the commercialization of its first instruments in the worldwide proteomics market. The case study highlights the range of activities engaged in by the 120-person company, the internal challenges Proteome Systems faces as it moves to commercialize its technologies, and how it addresses these challenges. In the long term, Proteome Systems wants to be a drug-discovery company, and now, in late 2003, the CEO is considering the acquisition of a US-based drug-discovery company to boost Proteome Systems' own drug-discovery efforts. Learning Objective: Provides insight into how a young company based far away from its primary markets organizes its operations as it moves from a technology-development focus toward commercializing products. Setting: Sydney; Biotechnology industry; AUD $21 million; 120 employees; 2003