Medical research experts explore new strategies to speed up treatments for medical disorders

Dec 3 2009

Nearly 600 medical research executives, scientists, policy makers, and funders today convened to explore novel development approaches and innovative funding strategies at the inaugural Partnering for Cures meeting.

FasterCures, the Washington-based center of the Milken Institute, convened Partnering for Cures to facilitate multi-sector collaborations needed to turn a scientific discovery into an accessible therapy. This effort unites the power of philanthropy, passion of nonprofit disease organizations, and the expertise of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

"With all the financial and human capital flowing through America's medical system, there are still too many diseases for which there are no cures or effective treatments. We want to help change that," said Margaret Anderson, Executive Director of FasterCures. "One of our goals for this effort is to catalyze a more effective and efficient medical research enterprise through more strategic and timely allocation of critical resources."

Partnering for Cures highlighted best practices in the conduct and management of medical research and outcomes-oriented approaches that could streamline the process. It provided participants with a unique opportunity to learn first-hand from cure entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders who are producing dramatic results for patients, from cystic fibrosis and multiple myeloma to malaria and HIV.

"We believe the incentives of all the stakeholders in medical research can be better aligned to produce the result all are working towards - value and benefit for patients. This effort helps facilitate this alignment," added Anderson.

The meeting featured more than 80 of the most forward-thinking leaders spotlighting solutions to decades-long challenges facing the medical research system, 42 medical research foundations presented their research portfolio and development strategies, and a partnering system that facilitated one-on-one connections between participants.