Intellikine: Build-to-Sell in Biotech

Abstract

The Intellikine case study provides an example of a biotech company where its management team, founders, and investors sold the company at a relatively early stage of the company’s development. In early 2012, Troy Wilson, the CEO of Intellikine sold the company to Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, Takeda’s business unit responsible for global oncology, strategy, and development. The deal was for as much as $310 million (Millennium would pay $190 million upfront, with an additional $120 million dependent on clinical development milestones). By 2011, the Intellikine team had advanced three programs into human clinical testing. The key question for students is whether Wilson and his team sold the company too early or not. Various perspectives and the company strategy and execution are provided in the case study to allow students to have a fruitful discussion on each side of the argument.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Resources

Exhibit 1: Intellikine’s Pipeline as of the Date of Acquisition

Name

Focus

Notes

Indication(s)

Clinical Trial

INK128

TORC 1 and TORC 2

Lead molecule

Solid tumors and hematologic malignancies

Phase I

INK1117

PI3 K alpha

Lead molecule

Solid tumors

Phase I

IPI-145 (formerly INK1197)

PI3 K delta and gamma

Partnership with Infinity Pharmaceuticals

Inflammatory diseases and hematologic malignancies

Phase I

Source: Case writer analysis.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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