US-based spin-outs Pathfinder LLC and Cara Therapeutics

Paul Philips made this Freedom of Information request to University of Glasgow

The request was partially successful.

From: Paul Philips

2 November 2009

Dear Sir or Madam,

In your response to my enquiry regarding spin-out valuations
(http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/18...),
you informed me that two of the companies with a base outwith
Scotland, Pathfinder LLC and Cara Therapeutics, were created and
financed by US based groups, not the University of Glasgow. You
therefore expect me to believe that the University of Glasgow had
no input into the creation of these companies.

I find this difficult to believe unless you can provide evidence
that both companies paid all of Glasgow's research and legal costs
too. Can you please provide information on whether the US-based
groups financed the research and development work that led to the
creation of these companies? If not, who funded the research work,
e.g. other sources such as UK Research Councils?

Did the University incur any legal fees in the creation of these
companies? If so, how much and were these paid from University
funds, or did the US-based companies pay these too?

Why is the Scottish taxpayer funding the creation of companies that
will never create jobs in Scotland? In the current economic
climate, surely the taxpayers' money should be used to benefit
Scotland rather than wasting it on US-based spin-out companies?

It appears that the University of Glasgow will continue to waste
public money as a result of its continued non-performance regarding
spin-out companies. Surely, now is the time to cease spin-out
activity for the good of its reputation as a Scottish university
seeking to contribute to the Scottish economy.

Yours faithfully,

Paul Philips

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From: FOI Office
University of Glasgow

5 November 2009

Attachment Acknowledgement.pdf
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Dear Mr Philips,

Further to your Freedom of Information request dated 2 November 2009
timed 22:00. Please find letter of acknowledgement attached.

You will find that the University's acknowledgement of your information
request is in PDF (Portable Document Format) file(s) attached to this
email.

The PDF file format is used for electronic distribution because it
preserves the look and feel of the original document complete with
fonts, colours, images, and layout. To open a PDF file you can download
a free program called Acrobat Reader and install it onto your computer
by clicking on to the following URL:

http://www.adobe.co.uk/products/acrobat/...

Yours sincerely,

Data Protection and Freedom of Information Office

Direct Line: +44 (0)141 330 2523
Fax: 0141 330 4920

Gilbert Scott Building
University of Glasgow
University Avenue
Glasgow G12 8QQ
G12 8QQ

The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401

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From: FOI Office
University of Glasgow

1 December 2009

Attachment Response.pdf
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Dear Mr Philips,

Please find attached the University's response to your Freedom of
Information (Scotland) Act 2002 request dated 2 November 2009 timed
22:00 hours.

You will find that the University's response to your information
requestis in PDF (Portable Document Format) file(s) attached to this
email.

The PDF file format is used for electronic distribution because it
preserves the look and feel of the original document complete with
fonts, colours, images, and layout. To open a PDF file you can download
a free program called Acrobat Reader and install it onto your computer
by clicking on to the following URL:

http://www.adobe.co.uk/products/acrobat/...

Yours sincerely,

Data Protection and Freedom of Information Office

Direct Line: +44 (0)141 330 2523
Fax: 0141 330 4920

Gilbert Scott Building
University of Glasgow
University Avenue
Glasgow G12 8QQ
G12 8QQ

The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401

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