Business Of Biotech Biotech Collaboration Strategy With IGI's Cyril Konto, M.D.
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Nov 24, 2025 Cyril Kanto, M.D., is an oncologist and the CEO of Ichnos Glenmark Innovation, specializing in biologics and multispecific antibody platforms. He discusses the breakthrough potential of multispecific antibodies and the strategic $700 million deal with AbbVie. Cyril shares insights on navigating the challenging biotech landscape, the role of collaboration in innovation, and the shift from animal models to advanced in silico modeling. He also explores the impact of China's biotech sector and emphasizes IGI's focus on emerging markets, driving forward patient-centered therapies.
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Closing The In-House Biologics Plant
- Cyril described shutting down IGI's in-house biologics manufacturing and transferring tech to CDMOs to preserve runway and flexibility.
- He explained that outsourcing reduced fixed costs and matched biotech risk profiles during the 2021 capital crunch.
Focus And Cut To Survive A Biotech Downturn
- Focus your pipeline and allocate capital with discipline when markets tighten.
- Exit non-differentiated programs and double down on areas with clear competitive advantage, like multispecifics.
Hybrid Spinout Model For Stability And Agility
- IGI split governance from Glenmark to create an autonomous, innovation-focused biotech with global support.
- That hybrid model preserved stability while enabling fast, entrepreneurial R&D in New York, Switzerland, and India.