Translational semantics and infrastructure: another search for the emperor's new clothes?

Area of Science:

• Pharmacological Sciences
• Drug Discovery and Development
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• The transition of new chemical entities from discovery to clinical trials is crucial for drug discovery success.
• Translational medicine (T1) is a term for this process, often presented as a novel discipline.
• Many activities within translational medicine have long been part of pharmacological sciences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the concept and hype surrounding translational medicine.
• To emphasize the importance of scientific rigor and informed decision-making in advancing drug candidates.
• To shift focus from the novelty of the discipline to the quality of the translation process.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing practices in drug discovery and pharmacological sciences.
• Analysis of the definition and application of translational medicine.
• Conceptual framework development for improving the translation of compounds.

Main Results:

• Translational medicine integrates established practices rather than being entirely new.
• The emphasis on 'T1' has sometimes overshadowed the need for high-quality science.
• Effective drug translation requires robust scientific evaluation and decision-making.

Conclusions:

• Translational medicine's value lies in enhancing the quality of scientific processes, not in its novelty.
• Prioritizing scientific integrity ensures that translated compounds have genuine therapeutic value.
• Improving decision-making in compound advancement is key to successful drug discovery.