Misconceptions in Translation in Drug Discovery and Development

Ramesh Jayaraman, Founder-Director, DoseQuantics Consulting Pvt Ltd, India

Translation is defined as the process of turning observations in the laboratory, clinic and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals. In the context of drug discovery, the perception of translation can be vastly different based on the knowledge and experience of scientists in different fields. The meaning of translation can be different in the preclinical and clinical development stages, and in the transition between preclinical and clinical stages. This can lead to development of misconceptions about the meaning of translation that can hinder the progress of translational science and its applications in drug discovery. Although, the awareness of translational science is increasing, it still has not reached a wider audience. Thus, it is important to create awareness of translational science in all stakeholders engaged in drug discovery and development, with the main goal of progressing drugs that demonstrate meaningful clinical benefit to patients.

References:

Austin, C.P. 2021. Translational misconceptions. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery.20: 489-490