The Gateway to Rare and Neglected Disorders Therapeutics Initiative, also known as GRANDRx, was established to catalyze the development of treatments for rare and neglected diseases. By implementing novel solutions throughout the research and healthcare system, it aims to map a route forward to develop a robust approach for translating basic science discoveries into safe and effective therapeutics.
During this week’s podcast, Patrick Terry provides additional details on the goals of GRANDRx and discusses why there was a need for such an initiative. He also talks about the systems approach GRANDRx is taking to help shorten drug discovery and development timelines, decrease costs, and increase the success rate of the introduction of novel therapeutics.
Dr. Chris Austin describes how the National Chemical Genomics Center and other NIH units interface with GRANDRx. He also lists the main “walls” to new drug discovery and clinical development and suggests ways to overcome these barriers.
(A journal article entitled “Assay, Preclinical, and Clinical Brick Walls and Opportunities for System Change Through GRANDRx” appeared in the April 2010 issue of Assay and Drug Development Technologies, published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.)