Competitive collaboration in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry

摘要

The title was selected specifically because the phrase 'pre-compe-titive collaboration' [1,2] (see Supplemental Information) is being bandied about and the potential conflicts require acknowledgement, critique and a way forward that pushes through that conflict, even if resolution is not forthcoming. In fact, the very ambiguity of that term could lead to an inadequate response as industry leaders try to decide what is actually before ('pre') the competitive acquisition of knowledge.We are advocates for redefining competition and for recognizing that pharma and biotech are not exactly like every other business when it comes to a combative/competitive spirit. In fact, it is possible to be the CEO of a successful pharmaceutical company and still have your life (or your mother's life) saved by the drug launched by a competitor-maybe even one in which they beat you to market just in time for that life to be saved.