Technology transfer: incentives and disincentives.
Universities and dental schools are increasingly emphasizing the importance of transferring technology based upon faculty research into marketable products. One area of current interest to dentistry involves the utilization of recombinant DNA and protein purification technologies to produce therapeutics based upon the biologic activity of the proteins. This work builds upon the discovery and characterization of several families of protein capable of inducing potent biological responses both in vitro and in vivo. It is motivated by the need to provide patients with additional alternatives for the prevention, diagnosis, arrest or repair of a number of oral conditions or their sequela such as periodontitis, caries, and neoplasia. This article addresses some incentives and disincentives extant within academic institutions encountered during the development of a therapeutic agent for the regeneration of the periodontium. Incentives include professional rewards associated with the development of new therapeutics and disincentives include conflicts between traditional measures of academic achievement and the nature of the work associated with the development of such products. Some ideas for the resolution of disincentives are presented.
Rutherford
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RB
Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-1078, USA.
D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D018865:Dental Research; D016557:Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; D006801:Humans; D009316:National Institutes of Health (U.S.); D010513:Periodontal Ligament; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D018581:Technology Transfer; D013674:Technology, Dental; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities
D004274:DNA, Recombinant