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Academic biomedical scientists are increasingly being encouraged to engage in translational research. However, there are underappreciated downsides for investigators if their translational efforts do not lead to positive results in pivotal clinical trials.
Improved R&D models, supported by appropriate regulatory pathways, are needed to provide new drugs with greater efficiency, in a framework that is financially viable for all stakeholders. Here, we present the perspective of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations on the key areas on which to focus to achieve this.
The field of nanomedicine has grown rapidly in recent years, but several issues are emerging that could constrain its future evolution, particularly if they are not appropriately acknowledged and the potential of nanomedicine is oversold.
A public–private partnership to establish biomarkers of dementia in Down's syndrome could aid the development of preventive therapies for the dementia associated with both Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, based on the apparent common role of amyloid precursor protein in the two conditions.