Conclusion
The relationship between AMCs and biopharmaceutical companies is complementary and naturally
lends itself to the formation of joint research enterprises. Academia brings strong insight into the
fundamental mechanisms of disease along with expertise in patient care and clinical practice. The
biopharmaceutical industry possesses the knowledge and tools to translate basic research discoveries
into practical applications in patients. Collaboration between the academic and industrial sectors is
indicative of the increasingly synergistic relationship between academic research and commercial
activity. As the translational gap between discovery and clinical development has become increasingly
difficult to bridge, the recognition of the importance of partnerships has grown.
Industry and AMCs are exploring new types of collaborations and the variety of partnerships is
expanding. Partnerships are increasing access to cutting-edge science, equipment, and resources at both
universities and biopharmaceutical companies enabling the nation’s R&D enterprise to tackle the most
complex and challenging diseases and conditions. In the face of an increasingly challenging R&D
environment and global competition, we are likely to witness the continuing proliferation of AMCindustry
partnerships.