Research and business - the yin and yang in modern medicine

Yin and yang is a concept of dualism in Chinese philosophy, describing how opposite or contrary forces may be complementary, interconnected and interdependent, and how they may give rise to each other as they interrelate with one another. In line with this, modern clinical research and business can definitely be described as yin and yang. With the increasing need for funding, researchers at a very early stage during the development of a new concept may be forced or tempted to enter the business world. Furthermore, researchers are encouraged and supported by their own universities to collaborate with possible future business partners, not only to acquire funding, but also to explore potential patenting. This collaboration between the business world and research can definitely be very fruitful and provide benefit for both parties, patients and society as a whole, but it may also introduce the risk of premature materialization.