Derek Lowe (in the pipeline) and others have written extensively on tech vs pharma. Keep in mind we don’t know all that much about biological processes, the ultimate risks of screwing with them, and the related, unknown processes that are related to or depend on them. Sometimes, the model is correct and the drug is safe, effective and remunerative. Sometimes, the candidate is derailed because the dog dies unexpectedly, or it doesn’t work in humans. Worst case, one of the unknown, associated mechanisms reveals itself with severe possibly fatal consequences.
So companies try to minimize risk, both medical and financial. But while Lilly is doing quite well today, they’ve piled billions in their driveway and set it alight trying to treat Alzheimer’s. Other companies have also done this, because the reward is almost infinite money. But the damn model is wrong or the damn candidates don’t survive.
Way easier to design a chip from scratch. Medchem and biology ain’t engineering.
Derek Lowe (in the pipeline) and others have written extensively on tech vs pharma. Keep in mind we don’t know all that much about biological processes, the ultimate risks of screwing with them, and the related, unknown processes that are related to or depend on them. Sometimes, the model is correct and the drug is safe, effective and remunerative. Sometimes, the candidate is derailed because the dog dies unexpectedly, or it doesn’t work in humans. Worst case, one of the unknown, associated mechanisms reveals itself with severe possibly fatal consequences.
So companies try to minimize risk, both medical and financial. But while Lilly is doing quite well today, they’ve piled billions in their driveway and set it alight trying to treat Alzheimer’s. Other companies have also done this, because the reward is almost infinite money. But the damn model is wrong or the damn candidates don’t survive.
Way easier to design a chip from scratch. Medchem and biology ain’t engineering.