The Science and Business of Biotechnology
A look at how early-stage biotechnology companies turn scientific research into drugs patients can actually use. Developed by MIT's Whitehead Institute and Sloan School of Management, the course covers the underlying science and disease targets behind drug discovery alongside the business structures and financing methods that fund clinical development, from venture capital to novel deal structures. Materials include lecture videos, readings, and module assignments built for the original MITx course, now archived on MIT's Open Learning Library. You can browse all content without enrolling, or create a free account to track progress through each module. The course is aimed at students who want to understand both the biology of drug targets and the financial mechanics that let early biotech firms survive the long road from lab bench to FDA approval and market access.