Collaborations with diagnostic firms ‘crucial to oncology progress’
pharmafile | February 6, 2008 | News story | Research and Development |Â Â Â
Pharma companies should engage diagnostics companies in early phase talks if they want to fast-track innovative new cancer treatments to the market, experts have said.
The current lack of collaboration between the two divisions and its negative impact on cancer care progress was just one topic discussed at Eyeforpharma's first European Oncology Summit.
Professor Gordon McVie, senior consultant at the European Institute of Oncology, highlighted pharma's failure to consult diagnostics and imaging companies, particularly in high-level projects like Efpia's Innovative Medicines Initiative.
He said imaging was not represented at all in the scheme, which aims to support the faster discovery and development of better medicines for patients and enhance Europe's competitiveness.
GE Healthcare's director of global oncology marketing Chris Ehinger agreed the objectives of the two types of company were not aligned, but said his organisation, which specialises in molecular imaging, was keen to speak with pharma.
Developing a common understanding of how new molecules can be administered and working together on the best option to complement a treatment regime could improve the accuracy and speed of clinical trials, he suggested.
But Mr Ehinger stressed that both sides must be clear on what it is they are looking to achieve.






