Open Source Opens Possibilities

“Open source”, a term synonymous to computer programming, is a pragmatic methodology that promotes redistribution and access to an end product. In the last few years we have seen a dramatic turn in the pharmaceutical industry where this collaborative “open-source” model is being embraced.

Due to the decline of innovation in drug development, especially in the rare diseases arena, Open Science, the new open source model, aims to improve the efficiency in discovery by bringing together intelligent minds and development teams to take the drug from idea to the clinic.

Much of the inefficiencies are thought to be due to a fragmented discovery process between contract research organizations (CROs) or research vendors and discovery groups.¹ Hence, the open source platform seems like a no-brainer to establish in order to make sure the technical experts are overseeing development while the most innovative individuals are doing what they do best, discover.

Open sourcers or vendors with more integrative services as well as drug development experience may be on the right track in offering more to discovery platforms than smaller niche CROs. However, many of these more specialized CROs generally have more expertise in particular areas than their larger counterparts and are still desired for their unique services or technologies.

Scientist is also tackling the challenge of this fragmented process by providing the most comprehensive vendor sourcing and management tool to allow any researcher, whether they’re part of a pharmaceutical company, academic institution, or simply an enthusiast working from a basement, to quickly find solutions to their drug studies and establish lasting relationships with experts in the industry.

The study of rare diseases has become one of our focuses and through our involvement with the Rare Genomics Institute, Scientist has launched the Rare Disease Challenge to bring attention to the underserved individuals who suffer from these diseases and offer a gateway to develop hope, if not yet the next drug, for a better day.