Brian Axe

Managing Director at NovaQuest Capital Management

Brian Axe, Managing Director at NovaQuest Capital Management, has over 25 years of experience in the biomedical industry across pharmaceuticals, animal health, and medical devices. He is a member of the investment committee of NovaQuest Animal Health Opportunities Fund and serves on several boards of portfolio companies.   He is responsible for leading the Firm’s  animal health strategy through portfolio management, sourcing, negotiating,  due diligence, structuring of investment opportunities, and post-close  investment management.

Mr. Axe joined NovaQuest in 2017 after 15 years at Eli Lilly and Co., where he began in Lilly Research Labs and held various positions including Senior R&D Analytical Chemist, Project Management Advisor, and Due Diligence Advisor. As Due Diligence Advisor, he led corporate and scientific & technical due  diligence teams and advised therapeutic area leadership as well as business  development on transaction opportunities.

In 2014, Mr. Axe became the Due Diligence Advisor for Elanco Business Development, where he designed and implemented their global due diligence process. In addition, he was responsible for leading the corporate  and scientific & technical due diligence evaluations associated with global  transactions for in-licensing, out-licensing, divestitures, M&A, as well as  alternative deal structures comprising >$6 billion of direct animal health  transaction experience.

His experience spans all human therapeutic areas and phases of  development, animal segments, and geographies. Mr. Axe earned a BS in  Biochemistry from Bowling Green State University and is a certified Alliance  Management Professional.