Who we are

Dr Mike Bickerdike, BSc, PhD

Dr Mike Bickerdike is an expert in translating discovery research into commercially viable programmes. An experienced pharmaceutical research manager, his expertise spans nearly 30 years in the industry and includes an extensive background in the research and development of novel drugs. Dr Bickerdike obtained his BSc and PhD degrees in pharmacology in the UK, before undertaking academic neuroscience research in the USA.

In the mid-90’s he joined the UK pharmaceutical company Vernalis, where he held several senior positions including Director of Molecular Pharmacology and Project Leader of the company’s flagship research program (successfully partnered with Roche). In 2005, he moved to New Zealand as Director of Research and Preclinical Development for Neuren Pharmaceuticals, a role he held for 8 years. During this time he was responsible for all drug research, safety, toxicology, and drug substance manufacture, Mike successfully re-purposed and developed the drug trofinetide into clinical trials for autism-spectrum disorders. Trofinetide recently obtained marketing approval from the FDA and is the first and currently only drug treatment for Rett syndrome.

Dr Bickerdike founded BioTarget Consulting in 2014, a New Zealand based consultancy specialising in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, development and commercialisation. As a preclinical consultant he has successfully assisted numerous clients progress, out-license, spin-out and partner their R&D programs. He was the CSO of the Auckland University spin-out company, Kea Therapeutics. In addition to providing R&D management and value lift, Dr Bickerdike has experience in the commercial assessment of pharmaceutical and biotechnology innovations; in addition to his work with Life Science New Zealand and BioTarget Consulting, is a long-time member, and past Chair, of the ‘Return on Science’ Biotech and Pharma Investment Committee.