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There is much debate worldwide over how governmental policies affect pharmaceutical innovation. Ensuring the safety of drugs must be offset against providing timely access to potentially life-saving or life-enhancing therapies. The authors argue that there is a need for a more balanced approach to governmental interventions.
Drews discusses the case histories of several modern innovative drugs — bevacizumab, COX2 inhibitors, enfuvirtide, imatinib and natalizumab — and considers whether they can provide lessons for improving research and development strategies.
'Push' or 'pull' strategies have been only partially successful in stimulating vaccine R&D for neglected diseases. Mossialos and Brogan propose an alternative – a hybrid model in which purchasers share the development risk in exchange for reduced vaccine prices.
Expertise in integrativein vivopharmacology has been dwindling for several years. Michael Collis looks at recent initiatives to address the current skills deficit in academia and industry by providing funding for education and practical experience in this crucial discipline.