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Investigator-initiated trials of targeted oncology agents: why independent research is at risk?
L Bergmann1, B Berns2, A G Dalgleish3
1Cancer Center Rhein-Main, Medical Clinic II, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
Background:
Drug development traditionally has relied upon the complementary contributions of clinicians and scientists at academic institutions and at pharmaceutical companies. Greater regulatory burdens, increased bureaucratic requirements, restricted reimbursement, and spiralling research and development costs are exerting pressure on the drug development pipeline. The result is a de-emphasis of exploratory research, particularly independent academic research, despite its proven value in identifying new drug targets and developing innovative cancer therapies.
Design:
An expert panel assembled by the Biotherapy Development Association-a nonprofit international forum for academic and industry researchers, patients, and government regulatory and postregulatory agencies-examined the growing schism between academia and industry and identified several causes of declining academic research.
Results:
The authors propose solutions to sustain investigator-initiated research and provide a new model whereby expert organisations provide a forum for academia and industry to plan studies within a regulatory framework to support licensure/authorisation and reimbursement for new molecularly targeted agents and biomarkers.
Conclusions:
Investigator-initiated trials have led to the discovery and development of innovative, safe, and effective cancer treatments. To ensure that such research continues, action will be required on the parts of legislative and regulatory bodies, industry, universities, patient advocacy organisations, and preclinical and clinical academic scientists.
Insights
Academic research is crucial for discovering new cancer therapies but faces decline due to rising costs and regulations. A new model is proposed to foster collaboration between academia and industry for sustained innovation in drug development.
Area of Science:
- Drug Development
- Cancer Therapy
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Traditional drug development relies on academic and industry collaboration.
- Increased regulatory burdens and costs pressure the drug development pipeline.
- Exploratory academic research, vital for new drug targets and therapies, is de-emphasized.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine the growing schism between academic and industry research.
- Identify causes for the decline in academic research.
- Propose solutions to sustain investigator-initiated research.
Main Methods:
- An expert panel from the Biotherapy Development Association was convened.
- The panel included academic researchers, industry professionals, patients, and regulatory agencies.
- The panel analyzed the challenges facing academic research in drug development.
Main Results:
- Several causes for declining academic research were identified.
- A new model is proposed to foster collaboration between academia and industry.
- This model facilitates planning studies within a regulatory framework for new molecularly targeted agents and biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Investigator-initiated trials are essential for discovering innovative cancer treatments.
- Sustaining academic research requires action from legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, industry, universities, and patient advocates.
- Collaboration is key to ensuring the continued development of safe and effective cancer therapies.
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