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R&D productivity rides again?
Dennis Lendrem1, Stephen J Senn, B Clare Lendrem
1Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, UK.
Pharmaceutical Statistics
|October 23, 2014
Summary
A flawed analysis suggests pharmaceutical R&D productivity improved in 2008. Our re-analysis indicates the industry still faces challenges and systemic issues require resolution for true recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Research and Development (R&D)
Background:
- Recent analyses suggested a positive turn in pharmaceutical R&D productivity around 2008.
- These analyses indicated the industry was recovering from previous challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the methodology and conclusions of a recent R&D productivity analysis.
- To present an alternative analysis of the same data to reassess the industry's R&D productivity status.
Main Methods:
- Re-analysis of existing R&D productivity data.
- Critique of the statistical and interpretative methods used in a prior study.
Main Results:
- The previous analysis's conclusion of a 'turned corner' in 2008 was found to be flawed.
- The alternative analysis indicates that pharmaceutical R&D productivity has not yet fully recovered.
Conclusions:
- The pharmaceutical industry is not yet 'out of the woods' regarding R&D productivity.
- Systemic issues impacting pharmaceutical R&D productivity are still in the process of being resolved.
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