Just 40 years ago the US Congress passed a bipartisan bill that transformed the ability of academic scientists to translate their research discoveries into new medicines. Although most universities and their faculties were slow to seize the opportunity, over time the success of a few inspired others. The biotechnology industry that arose had deep roots in NIH-funded research discoveries and overcame deep skepticism from the established pharmaceutical industry that was especially directed towards the broad use of injectable proteins. Most recently that same skepticism faced injectable RNA molecules. But these RNA drugs are expanding widely and have received approvals for broad classes of diseases and as a basis for vaccine production within an organism. Tracing back to the origin of these medicines again shows the role of basic discoveries made in the setting of a non-for-profit institution, and the large benefit to society of a congressional action 40 years ago.

Chemistry of entrepreneurship for developing new medicines

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.