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Early-stage drug discovery is rapidly evolving into an endeavour in which scientific research communities in both the public and private sectors are finding new ways to share knowledge, expertise and resources. Here, we discuss some of the challenges for such collaborations and highlight examples in which traditional barriers such as intellectual property concerns have been addressed.
A recent landmark analysis compared genome-wide mutations and associated 'omics' features for 3,281 tumours across 12 human cancer types. There is a clear need for objective target assessment and prioritization by the drug discovery community to make the best use of such vast amounts of data.
Adaptive approaches to collaborations between industry and academic research institutions can enable both parties to achieve their goals more effectively. Here, we discuss our experience with such approaches and suggest recommendations for addressing the associated management challenges.
Adaptive marketing authorization approaches may, in some instances, replace traditional binary regulatory decisions on drug approval with progressive reduction of uncertainty about the benefit–risk profile of a drug through iterative evidence gathering and evaluation. How should the nature of such evidence be determined?
Health-care budgets are largely spent on treating the complications of chronic diseases, many of which have preventable risk factors. Here, we discuss some of the key issues in the necessary move towards a 'prevention model' of health care.
Contract research organizations (CROs) have a key role in drug discovery and development, but processes for evaluating, engaging and managing CRO contracts may not be well established in academic institutions or small companies. Here, we recommend an approach to optimize the execution of drug discovery programmes in such environments.
Successful biomedical scientists learn throughout their careers. The LifeTrain project aims to optimize investments in learning to support the development of medicines in Europe and to encourage stronger interactions between industry and academia.
Academic biomedical scientists are increasingly being encouraged to engage in translational research. However, there are underappreciated downsides for investigators if their translational efforts do not lead to positive results in pivotal clinical trials.
Improved R&D models, supported by appropriate regulatory pathways, are needed to provide new drugs with greater efficiency, in a framework that is financially viable for all stakeholders. Here, we present the perspective of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations on the key areas on which to focus to achieve this.
The field of nanomedicine has grown rapidly in recent years, but several issues are emerging that could constrain its future evolution, particularly if they are not appropriately acknowledged and the potential of nanomedicine is oversold.
