Translational Medicine Perspectives in Drug Discovery and Development-PART VI: New Environment, New Challenges, New Solutions
Translational Medicine/Biomarkers
Salvatore Alesci, Ph.D., Robin Fears Ph.D., Charles Gombar Ph.D., Charles Dormer, & Roy Baranello Giora Z Feuerstein MD, MSc, FAHA AVP and Head, Discovery Translational Medicine and TMRC, Scotland Wyeth Research, PA
Introduction
Effective translation of scientific discoveries into innovative, effective and safe drugs in the first decade of the 21st century is facing unprecedented new challenges. These challenges are acute, as they cast doubt on the ability of the Pharmaceutical Industry to sustain novel drug discovery and development (DDD) and launch innovative medicines for diseases of large unmet medical need such as Alzheimer, Heart Failure, stroke, osteoarthritis and even Cancer [1-5]. In part VI of the series, we therefore focus on "environmental factors" that have emerged as key factors in defining the future success of the pharmaceutical industry. These factors have far-reaching repercussions for health initiatives providing access to innovative, improved medicines. The emerging new challenges are both within and outside the drug discovery industry; they emanate from scientific, technological, economical, social, political factors and policies at a national and global scale. These include: 1) The role of regulatory agencies, 2) Role of health management (private and government), 3) Role of "payors," 4) Role of Policymaking bodies, 5) Global financial and economic challenges, 6) Educational and
training needs for the scientific expertise to meet these challenges and develop new business models.
This article was published in the October/November 2009 issue of International Drug Discovery, Volume 4, Issue 1, on pgs. 84-88.
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