John has over 30 years experience in the commercialisation and management of patentable inventions and specialises in the pharma & biotech sector.

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Trained originally as a neuroscientist, his early career was in academia (Universities of Birmingham & Oxford) before moving into the pharmaceutical industry.  During his subsequent career he has held various roles in clinical research, IP management and business development with Sandoz (now Novartis), 3i plc, Imperial College Innovations.   He co-founded and managed, as Chief Operating Officer, the university spin-out Sterix Ltd. from its formation in 1998 through to its successful trade sale to the Ipsen Group.  In these various roles he as negotiated and managed numerous agreements with a diverse array of entities including individuals, universities, venture capital, charities, companies and corporations, been involved in the filing of over 700 patent applications and overseeing research that has led to over 20 clinical trials.

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John established Oxandia in 2006 in Oxfordshire, UK recognising that there was a need for experienced consultancy services especially in the areas of business development, IP strategy and management support.  For small and start-up companies, limited headcount means that there is frequently missing key expertise at a time when it can be critically important to the next step in the company's journey.  Oxandia can give you experience on a flexible ‘as needed’ basis via short-term specific engagements, interim management or part-time retention.  For universities and ‘not-for-profit’ organisations, Oxandia can bring industry-standard expertise to invention 'harvesting' and technology commercialisation and provide broad and solid first-hand experience of the spin out process.  For large companies, there is often an un-met need in ensuring Patent, Business Development and Legal Departments interact coherently and efficiently and all ‘speak the same language’ on matters of IP in optimal fulfilment of the company’s strategic aims.  Oxandia can bridge these gaps.

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Currently, John operates as Chairman, CEO and/or Director of a number of start-up/spin-out companies.

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