Translational Medicine ─ The Future of Therapy?

This book brings together a range of academic, industry and practitioner perspectives on translational medicine (TM). It enhances conceptual and practical understanding of the emergence and progress of the field and its potential impact on basic research, therapeutic development, and institutional infrastructure. In recognition of the various implications TM has for public health policy and commercial innovation, the book addresses the major systemic aspects of the field. The contributors explore the dynamic interactions and key challenges in translating new science into viable therapies for the clinic, which includes recognizing the importance of social, commercial, and regulatory environments in addition to good science.

James Mittra is a research fellow and lecturer at the ESRC Innogen Centre and Science, Technology and Innovation Studies subject group at the University of Edinburgh. His research and teaching focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to the complex and dynamic ways in which life sciences are affecting the nature and the process of technological and therapeutic innovation within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Dr. Mittra has published widely on issues of the strategic management and governance of the life sciences, as well as on mapping new value systems and business models for novel therapies.

Christopher-Paul Milne is director of research at the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development. His current research interests include academic–industry collaborations; disease, demographic, and market access factors in the emerging markets; incentive programs for pediatric studies, orphan products, and neglected diseases; and tracking the progress of new regulatory and research initiatives such as regulatory science, comparative effectiveness research, translational medicine, and personalized medicine. Dr. Milne is also research assistant professor at Tufts University Medical School, member of the editorial board of the Food & Drug Law Journal, and an honorary fellow at the University of Edinburgh.