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Is 'big biology' a commercial enterprise?
1Inpharmatica Ltd, 60 Charlotte Street, London W1T 2NU, UK. m.swindells@inpharmatica.co.uk
Genome Biology
|May 2, 2002
Summary
Large-scale biology projects, like the human genome project, need substantial funding. Basic research is increasingly moving into commercial organizations, prompting a review of reasons and considerations for this trend.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Genomics
- Bio-business
Background:
- Major biological initiatives, exemplified by the human genome project, necessitate significant financial investment.
- A growing trend involves conducting fundamental research within corporate environments.
- This shift impacts the landscape of scientific funding and research organization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the motivations behind the increasing relocation of basic research to commercial entities.
- To identify key organizations and players involved in this trend across the USA, Europe, and Japan.
- To discuss critical factors in determining the appropriate setting for specific research endeavors.
Main Methods:
- Review of current trends in biological research funding and organization.
- Analysis of the roles of commercial entities in basic research.
- Comparative overview of international players (USA, Europe, Japan).
Main Results:
- Identification of financial pressures as a primary driver for commercialization of research.
- Mapping of key commercial players and their involvement in large-scale biological projects.
- Highlighting of strategic and ethical considerations in corporate versus academic research settings.
Conclusions:
- The integration of basic research within commercial organizations is a significant and growing trend.
- Understanding the drivers and implications is crucial for navigating the future of biological research.
- Strategic decisions regarding research placement require careful consideration of funding, infrastructure, and intellectual property.