Karana Biotech is a boutique life science advisory firm focused on providing clients thoughtful business development solutions to meet their strategic objectives.
Biotech visionaries strive to cure what is yet to be cured, to treat the un-treatable, and to improve the lives of their patients. Helping our clients realize this vision is at the heart of who we are.
Our Firm
Karana Biotech is a boutique life science advisory firm focused on providing clients thoughtful business development solutions to meet their strategic objectives.
WHAT WE DO.
Business Development Resources
Karana Biotech offers unique and flexible solutions to help you execute on your business development strategy and act as an extension of your BD team.
In-licensing Services
Karana Biotech can support your in-licensing needs from Search & Evaluation and Diligence through Negotiation and Deal Closure.
Out-licensing Services
Karana Biotech can help you find your ideal partner to develop and/or market your assets globally.
Tell us your vision, and we’ll tell you how we can help you achieve it.
Meera J. Desai, Ph.D.
Founder and Managing Partner.
Dr. Desai has nearly 20 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in drug development and commercialization of products in multiple therapeutic areas. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Nielsen BioSciences, Inc, a privately-held San Diego-based biopharmaceutical company and previously served on the BoD for publicly held DMK Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: DMK) as the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee. Over her career, she has held positions of increasing responsibility at AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Nektar Therapeutics, and Johnson & Johnson/ALZA Corporation.
Dr. Desai has extensive Business and Corporate Development experience negotiating and executing licensing deals valued at over $3 Billion, managing complex alliances and supporting the fundraising, financing, and investor relations efforts for small Biotechs. Dr. Desai holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Drew University, a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Iowa State University and an NACD.DC., Directorship Certification from the National Association of Corporate Directors.