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6 Essential Strategies for Small Biotechs to Thrive in a Challenging Market

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Small biotechs may be under pressure, but they’re also uniquely positioned to innovate, adapt, and lead.

Yet, amid these headwinds, there are also powerful tailwinds — emerging technologies, global trial opportunities, and a renewed focus on innovation — that can help small biotechs not only survive but thrive.


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Guidance for Biotech Leaders

  • Prioritize high-impact, data-backed programs
  • Build lean, milestone-driven development plans
  • Streamline trials with global strategies
  • Engage early with pharma to build strategic options
  • Show clear ROI early to secure investor confidence

If you're leading a biotech right now, ask yourself:

  • Are we focused on the right assets?
  • Are our trials built for speed and precision?
  • Are we ready for early partnership conversations?
  • Use AI and real-world data to streamline clinical development
  • Focus on ROI-driven trial design and site selection
  • Explore partnerships and co-licensing to unlock funding
  • Prepare for M&A by building operational agility
  • Attend key events (like BIO International) to connect with investors and partners

If you're leading a biotech right now, ask yourself:

  • Are we using data and AI to reduce trial costs and timelines?
  • Are we exploring the right partnerships to stay funded and competitive?
  • Are we ready to pitch our value at events like BIO International?
  • Track competitors continuously to stay ahead of shifting pipelines
  • Use real-world data to reduce trial burden and accelerate timelines
  • Design flexible, data-driven development plans that can pivot quickly
  • Differentiate early by aligning with unmet needs and market gaps
  • Leverage global insights to optimize site selection and patient recruitment

If you're leading a biotech right now, ask yourself:

  • Are we tracking our competitors closely enough?
  • Do we have a clear edge in our clinical development plan?
  • Are we using data and AI to optimize trial design?
  • Can we pivot quickly if a competitor beats us to market?
  • Monitor legislative changes to anticipate regulatory shifts and pricing pressures
  • Use real-world data and synthetic control arms to accelerate development and reduce trial burden
  • Explore global trial sites like Australia and the UK to diversify and de-risk early-phase research
  • Cut white space between trials by leveraging AI and real-world data to streamline operations
  • Partner with regulatory and competitive intelligence experts to stay agile and informed

If you're leading a biotech right now, ask yourself:

  • Are we prepared for rapid regulatory shifts?
  • Are we exploring global trial options to stay agile?
  • Are we using real-world data to accelerate development?
  • Do we have the right thought partners to guide us through uncertainty?
Every dollar is under the microscope. Move faster, run smarter trials, and build partnerships early
Claire Riches, VP, Clinical Solutions, Citeline
If you’re not watching the competition, you’re already behind. Competitive intelligence isn’t just about awareness. It’s how you carve out space to win.
Daniel Chancellor, VP, Thought Leadership, Norstella
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