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A lack of entrepreneurial behaviour has often been highlighted as a contributor to the decline in the research and development (R&D) productivity of the pharmaceutical industry. Here, we present an assessment of entrepreneurship in the industry, based on interviews with 26 former and current leaders of R&D departments at major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Factors are highlighted that could be important in promoting entrepreneurial behaviour, which might serve as a catalyst for revitalizing R&D productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimulating research and development for neglected diseases (such as tuberculosis, malaria and AIDS) has proven difficult. We offer an alternative approach to stimulating research into neglected diseases based on the concept of a financial call option. Our Call Options for Vaccines (COV) model allows the purchaser to make payments during the early stages of development in exchange for reduced future prices. We conclude with a discussion of possible risks and benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The costs associated with the development of new drugs have increased dramatically in recent years, and fewer truly innovative drugs are making their way to the market. The reversal of this trend has therefore become an urgent priority for the pharmaceutical industry. What are the factors that contribute to these costs, and to what extent can they be effectively controlled? Does the solution lie in new technologies? How is the industry dealing with these problems? And what are the ethical implications of these trends? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article outlines the objectives of incentives for antibacterial research and development (R&D) in the U.S. It highlights the importance of government incentives for antibacterial R&D which addresses the challenges of antibacterial resistance. It stresses the areas which should be covered in the incentive policies for antibacterial R&D including public-private partnerships (PPPs), liability exemption and priority review vouchers.

Mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical industry have substantially reduced the number of major companies over the past 15 years. The short-term business rationale for this extensive consolidation might have been reasonable, but at what cost to research and development productivity? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]