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07:48
Working with Human Tissues for Translational Cancer Research
Published on: November 26, 2015
Taking risks with translational research
1Uro-Oncology Research Group, Cancer Research UK Cambridge, Research Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK. ian.mills@cancer.org.uk
Science Translational Medicine
|April 9, 2010
Summary
Translational research faces commercial risks, as seen with deCODE
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Translational Research
- Biotechnology Commercialization
Background:
- The bankruptcy of deCODE, a company specializing in genetic variance and disease association, underscores the financial challenges in translational research.
- Both corporate and academic models for connecting genetics and disease face limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the commercial risks inherent in translational research, particularly in the field of genetics.
- To propose an optimized model for translational research that mitigates commercial risks.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the deCODE bankruptcy case as a model for commercial challenges in genetic research.
- Comparative assessment of purely corporate versus purely academic research models.
- Proposal of a hybrid public-private sector approach for translational research.
Main Results:
- Neither a solely corporate nor a solely academic approach is sufficient for successful translational research in genetics.
- The high-throughput aspects of translational research are best suited for the private sector.
Conclusions:
- A collaborative model is proposed where the private sector handles high-throughput research, and public/government funding supports long-term scientific development.
- This hybrid model aims to foster scientific confidence in utilizing genetic data for a mechanistic understanding of complex diseases.
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