Timothy M. Block, PhD, President of Hepatitis B Foundation and its Baruch S. Blumberg Institute has recently published a new book. High Swartz LLP managing partner Joel D. Rosen is also a member of the executive committee.
It's well known that southeastern Pennsylvania is a hub for life science, medical, and biotechnology startups, some of the fastest growing fields in this industry. Block's new book, "Curing Disease from the Ground Up: How to Operate a Biotechnology Business Incubator" is a practical guide for anyone interested in the intricate world of biotech incubators, and how to run them efficiently.
The book draws from Dr. Block's extensive experience, particularly as the co-founder of the Hepatitis B Foundation and the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), a highly successful biotech incubator. The PABC, established in 2006, has not only supported groundbreaking research in the quest to cure hepatitis B but has also become a significant economic driver in Pennsylvania, generating thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic impact. This incubator's unique model, which fosters collaboration between nonprofit research organizations and biotech startups, has led to the discovery of new drugs, FDA approvals, and multiple multimillion-dollar IPOs.
In "Curing Disease from the Ground Up," Dr. Block provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to launching and managing a successful life science and biotechnology business incubator. The book covers everything from developing a mission-focused framework to managing the practical aspects of a scalable research nonprofit. It also offers insights into identifying ideal tenant partners and planning for the infrastructure needs of a large research facility.
As of 2023, there are over 1,100 business incubators in the United States and more than 5,000 worldwide, making this book a timely resource for those looking to enter this rapidly growing industry. Whether you're a researcher, entrepreneur, or investor, Dr. Block's first-hand account offers invaluable lessons on how to replicate the success of the PABC and leverage a business incubator to drive scientific innovation and economic growth.
About Timothy M. Block, PhD
An internationally recognized leader in virology and drug discovery, Dr. Block has over 30 years of experience in hepatitis B virus (HBV) and liver cancer research. He co-founded the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF), which established the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute in 2003 to advance its research mission. In 2006, Dr. Block co-founded the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, a highly successful accelerator for startup companies, now collectively valued at over $1.5 billion. He also co-founded Merlin Biotech and Synergy Pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Block's academic career includes tenured faculty positions at Thomas Jefferson University Medical College (1984-2005) and Drexel University College of Medicine (2005-2015). He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and Geisinger.
Dr. Block has authored over 290 scholarly papers, holds 18 patents, and has received numerous national honors, including election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Glycobiology Institute of the University of Oxford. He is also an elected member of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors and was named a “Visionary in Hepatitis” by the World Hepatitis Alliance in 2017. Dr. Block's work in HBV research has led to the development of antivirals that have progressed to clinical trials, further solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in the field.
