PCAST Releases Report on Drug Development

PCAST Releases Report on Drug Development. The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) has released a new report (PDF) on innovation in drug discovery and development, noting the challenges present in translating basic research discoveries into clinical applications. The report's recommendations include (a) the formation of a public-private partnership with the aim of accelerating drug development, and (b) the commissioning of a study to assess ways to encourage drug companies to invest in critical -- but not necessarily financially attractive -- products to enhance public health.