Times are still difficult for many biotechs, but Ed Silverman writes at Pharmalot that the situation is actually a bit variable. Drawing on a report from consulting firm BDO, Silverman notes that biotech firms spent slightly more on R&D in 2011 than in 2010, though he adds that while large biotechs reported about 33 percent increase in revenue, smaller biotechs have not seen such large gains, reporting 12 percent decline in revenue.
"With revenues growing, it is no surprise that biotech firms are again investing substantial dollars in research and development," says BDO's Ryan Starkes in a statement. "However, broader economic challenges persist. Smaller companies are struggling to generate returns on their past investments, and continue to target innovative medicines in hopes of greater revenues down the road."