Torching the Haystack: modelling fast-fail strategies in drug development

Drug Discov Today. 2013 Apr;18(7-8):331-6. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2012.11.011. Epub 2012 Dec 12.

Abstract

By quickly clearing the development pipeline of failing or marginal products, fast-fail strategies release resources to focus on more promising molecules. The Quick-Kill model of drug development demonstrates that fast-fail strategies will: (1) reduce the expected time to market; (2) reduce expected R&D costs; and (3) increase R&D productivity. This paper outlines the model and demonstrates the impact of fast-fail strategies. The model is illustrated with costs and risks data from pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies.

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Research / economics*
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Drug Discovery / economics*
  • Drug Industry / economics*
  • Efficiency, Organizational
  • Models, Theoretical*