If drug discovery is to survive then a modification to the patent system is required.
Drug Discovery within the pharmaceutical industry is in the midst of a major change and this is particularly evident in the UK. Many organisations are reducing internal research programs in therapeutic areas which are not considered economic. This editorial proposes two changes to patent law, which if implemented should result in:
1. A greater emphasis on research into less tractable therapeutic areas, coupled with a more equitable and transparent period for a return on investment.
2. An enhanced patent landscape to foster open innovation in Drug Discovery.