Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers have announced formation of a $200 Million Pandemic and Bio Defense Fund. From their announcement:
“We will invest in companies developing fundamentally new platforms for detection, prevention and treatment of global, pathogenic infectious diseases,†said Brook Byers. “More than 15 million people worldwide die each year from infectious diseases. Over one third of the world’s population lacks access to essential drugs. This new fund addresses the immediate requirement for the science, pharmaceutical, and government sectors to close significant gaps in global public health preparedness.â€
Reading between the lines, are KPCB saying they’re filling a regulatory-created vacuum, and if so, my question is what’s the size of the hole. Is a $200 million pandemic plug going to satisfy or is there room for others to climb on, what does the model look like? This could be a much lower risk punt than it appears on the surface.
