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Sphere 33
The first phase of the Centre is the target discovery
institute, which will house research-generating comprehensive
data about disease using genomic and chemical screens,
which is important for the early stages of drug discovery.
it aims to make use of genomic and genetic medicine to more
accurately identify good drug targets for industry to pursue.
poor target selection is one of the most important reasons for
setbacks in the pharmaceutical industry. The institute will use
novel technology for target identification within the university
environment and hence provide the necessary academic
backing to the industry.
according to the head of the Structural genomics Consortium
at oxford, professor Chas bountra, who is a drug discovery
expert himself, the time and money spent developing drugs for
impractical targets currently is “a tragic waste of resources and
a tragedy for patients who need medicines that work.”
he also stressed the importance of the contribution of
several international pharmaceutical companies to the target
discovery institute and their collaboration on the project.
“
by collaborating with oxford university on the project,
the drug makers are seeking to eliminate development of drugs
targeting the wrong biological pathways, thereby cutting out
billions of dollars of research spending,” said professor bountra.
“
once a target has been successfully identified and validated,
and pharmaceutical companies can compete to develop
medicines that manipulate those targets.” another hope for this
partnership is to drastically reduce the 90 per cent failure rate
of drugs in mid-stage clinical trials in humans.
The second phase of the Centre will be the big data institute,
which will focus on analysing large data sets, bringing together
leading researchers from across genetics, epidemiology and
public health, clinical medicine, computer science, it, statistics,
and bioinformatics, who will analyse the data in order to
improve disease detection, treatment and prevention.
(
Above)
UK Prime Minister, David Cameron,
sharing his passion and vision for the
Foundation’s development.
(
Bottom Right)
All smiles as discussions continue
with this GBP 20 million project.
