Entrepreneur can “provide a glimpse” of Dundee’s future

Dr Deborah O’Neil, founder and CEO of leading clinical-stage biotechnology company Novabiotics, will be sharing her experiences in the world of business as host of the University’s latest Entrepreneurial Masterclass.

With more than two decades of experience in anti-infective drug discovery research and development, she will share the secrets of her success at "Actually Doing It - The Start of Your Journey as a Bio-Entrepreneur,” on Wednesday 17 March.

Brian McNicoll, Head of the University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, which is hosting the event, said that recent events in Dundee make Deborah’s lecture particularly relevant.

“Dundee is at the heart of the life sciences sector, with the University playing a central role in enhancing this reputation even further,” he said.

“Just last month the Growing the Tay Cities Biomedical Cluster project was signed off by the Tay Cities Region Joint Committee. This will pave the way for world-class life sciences innovation and entrepreneurial expertise and allow the formation of new companies and technologies, creating jobs for the area.

“Deborah is a hugely successful bio-entrepreneur and it will be fascinating to hear her experiences from around the world. Hopefully her success will provide a glimpse of what can be replicated here in Dundee in the years ahead.”

Dr O’Neil studied at University College London and then worked in postdoctoral positions in internationally acclaimed laboratories in San Diego and Ghent before moving to the Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen, where she founded NovaBiotics in 2004.

The company has since become a leader in global biotechnology, developing a portfolio of first-in-class anti-infective therapies addressing the urgent, unmet need for safe and effective antimicrobials, including Nylexa for Covid-19.