May 29, 2018, by Liz Cass

University of Nottingham sells shares in Juniper Pharmaceuticals

The University of Nottingham has sold its shares in Nasdaq-listed company Juniper Pharmaceuticals Inc. realising £625,000.

Juniper develops therapeutics that address unmet medical needs in women’s health. The company has a successful history in developing pharmaceutical products for commercial use, including a progesterone gel which is available in over 90 countries around the world.

The University of Nottingham acquired its shares in Juniper following the formation and sale of Molecular Profiles, a spin-out company, created in 1997, and led by an academic group from the University’s School of Pharmacy. Molecular Profiles was acquired by Columbia Laboratories in 2013, which rebranded as Juniper Pharma Inc and floated the company on Nasdaq. Juniper still retain a team in Nottingham which provide a range of pharmaceutical development activities including formulation development, clinical trial manufacturing and IP support.

The University’s spin-out portfolio is managed by Nottingham Technology Ventures. The portfolio includes over 20 business in various stages of development including early stage and listed companies.

Andrew Naylor, Chief Executive of Nottingham Technology Ventures, said: “The sale of shares in Juniper Pharmaceuticals is the third exit from the University’s spin-out portfolio this year and is in-line with the University’s policy to realise value from its equity in listed companies.  I am delighted that these three exits have delivered £8m to support the University’s research and teaching activities.”

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