When we look at Silicon Valley, it’s clear that new technology receives continuous support from many different directions to push it forward. Speed to market, significant funding sources and the public markets all contribute to innovation in technology. There’s also a pervasive sense of optimism, that the next big thing is right around the corner.
In life sciences, that same support does not exist. Instead of a forward push, life science experiences a constant pushback.
Venture capital money is difficult to find. There are slow lead times in getting new products to market. These factors and more clog the pipeline to bring new treatments to market, and public policy must find a way to create the tenuous balance between safety, innovation and scientific rigor.
Government can join with entrepreneurs to foster life science innovation through the creation of a Federal Life Science Startup Package.
Dr. Joan Fallon is the founder and chief executive officer of Curemark LLC, a drug development and research company focused on the treatment of neurological diseases. Curemark reported positive FDA Phase III clinical trial results for CM-AT, a treatment for autism. Curemark was founded on Dr. Fallon’s research that revealed an enzyme deficiency in children with autism resulting in a dearth of amino acids, the building blocks of protein.