KPCB Pandemic Preparedness and BioDefense Initiative
Emerging infectious diseases have always been a threat to the health and well being of people. The experience of the HIV pandemic has illuminated the need for innovation in key areas of global health : disease surveillance, rapid diagnostics, new vaccine technology, portable and less expensive manufacturing of vaccines, and new antiviral drugs. Recognizing the need for innovation to address the threat of infectious diseases, KPCB began a new investment initiative in February, 2006, with our $200 Million KPCB Pandemic Preparedness and BioDefense Fund. We did this following an intense study of the crisis in global health, infectious disease and lack of significant innovation compared to other healthcare sectors where we have been involved (click on Life Science Initiative). Avian flu is an example. HHS Secretary Leavitt said “Avian flu is a highly possible crisis; the health and security of the world is at stake.” In 2003, SARS killed 1700 people before it was contained and created $30 Billion in economic losses. The World Bank estimates that the economic impact of a bird flu epidemic would be far greater, exceeding $1 Trillion and loss of life in the tens of millions. We have responded to these challenges by seeking to invest in breakthroughs in surveillance, diagnostics, vaccines, antiviral drugs and technologies enabling large scale manufacturing. Advances for influenza initiatives will have broad applications for other diseases as well. We have built a global network of hundreds of key scientists, policy makers, government officials, foundations and nonprofits working in health, executives and entrepreneurs. We have already provided capital and management assistance to Novavax, Biocryst and HX Diagnostics. We are actively seeking opportunities to invest in and assist companies that can make a difference. Our motto is “if you wish to be out front, then act as though you are behind.”
KPCB Partners working on Pandemic include: Brook Byers, James Li, Dana Mead, Tom Monath, Jessica Owens, Beth Seidenberg and Risa Stack