Challenge:

A VC investor asked Alacrita to conduct due diligence on a clinical stage oncology therapeutic company developing a targeted inhibitor that works via the notch pathway. Priority indications included rare oncology (solid and liquid) indications, and a biomarker approach was being pursued which required a companion diagnostic to be developed, to ensure targeting of the drug to the appropriate patients. Before the client made a commitment to invest in the oncology company, it wanted some external due diligence.

Solution:

Alacrita's London-based due diligence team reviewed the target company's dataroom, focussing on:

• Scientific rationale;
• Market and competitive landscape;
• Preclinical data;- Clinical safety data;
• Clinical and regulatory strategy; and
• Submissions to and correspondence with regulatory agencies.

Key risks were centered on clinical efficacy, and these were judged to be acceptably balanced. The investment proceeded and a Phase 2 trial was initiated shortly thereafter.