We've read a lot in recent weeks about Big Pharma R&D groups being downsized, down-graded and generally dissed with regard to their productivity or lack thereof in the past decade.
In addition, we've seen companies pursuing outsourcing models and even increasing their funding to various academic or government research groups. See posts on Feb 20th, Feb 17th and Feb 14th for example.
Now we have a new twist. Today as reported by PharmaLive, Lilly, Merck and Pfizer today announced the formation of the Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG) Inc. This not-for-profit company will collaborate on research and treatment of stomach cancer. This model is cited as an example of a new trend whereby companies will collaborate in a pre-competitive fashion to pool and advance knowledge in particular disease states. Wow - open collaboration in the ultra-competitive pharmaceutical industry - things must be shaking up.
Initially the ACRG will focus on gastric and lung cancers which are two of the most common forms in Asia. Read more about these companies plans to share information for the common good.
Posted by Bruce Lehr Feb 23, 2010
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