Breaking out of the Ivory Tower: from academia to clinic

This paper considers the relationship between academic research and industry in terms of the commercial exploitation of product or process driven programmes originating in academic institutions. The commercial exploitation of pharmaceutical research is the only practical means of achieving the desired end-point of all research programmes in the pharmaceutical sciences-achieving patient benefits. The requirements for generating intellectual property rights (IPR), types of IPR likely to be encountered, time scales, costs, potential partnerships and commercial routes for exploitation are discussed. The ability to link up with industry to exploit new pharmaceutical products or processes is exemplified through two models. Model I involves out-licensing of IPR generated wholly within an academic setting and is illustrated by reference to the development of Ametop Gel, a novel percutaneous anaesthetic preparation. Model 2 involves a partnership with industry in a risk-sharing format, with both partners contributing expertise to the project. This latter model is illustrated by reference to a new controlled and sustained release intravaginal ring delivery system for oestrogen replacement therapy.