ISSN:
1467-9310
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Economics
Notes:
The discovery and development of a new therapeutic agent may take five to ten years, cost in excess of £90m with a significant risk of product failure, due either to lack of safety or efficacy. Pharmaceutical companies require a new product every three to five years in order to sustain growth. This need is often met by licensing a product from a competitor. The evaluation of a potential licensing opportunity is a complex task in technology transfer since firstly, the time frame for decision taking is markedly foreshortened compared with the usual time involved when developing a drug from within the company. In addition the therapeutic field may be unfamiliar to the company personnel. The evaluation process involves a parallel but closely linked activity involving pharmacologists, toxicologists, pharmacy, pharmaceutical physicians, strategic marketing, legal experts as well as representatives from the major territorial international markets. This paper attempts to identify some problems in technology transfer which include organisational, attitudinal and behavioural factors. Possible topics for future research are identified.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9310.1992.tb00810.x
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