25 September 2015 - The boss of an Australian research-based pharmaceutical company says it is a tough road for biotech companies to make it to pharmacy shelves.

Pharmaxis chief executive Gary Phillips has highlighted the challenges in commercialising products.

"We call it the valley of death," he said.

"In the years before innovation and just before we get onto the market, the risk is the highest.

"You need a really committed team of people and unless you're well funded, it's very difficult to make that leap."

Mr Phillips has jumped on the recent comments from new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for more collaboration between primary research institutions and industry.

"You only need to look at the US as a shining example to see what's possible," he said.

"They have a vibrant biotech sector and a huge number of start-up companies that are coming out of universities that are well funded."

For more details, go to: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-25/long-journey-for-australian-biotech-to-pharmacy-shelves/6806460