Research advances have led to more accurate diagnoses, less invasive treatments, shorter hospital stays, fewer side effects and longer lives. But research and development is not enough to guarantee new and better therapies in the future. To ensure that research continues, investments are needed by both private and public entities. It is critical that companies conducting medical research operate in an environment that encourages and rewards investments in progress that addresses unmet medical needs.
Investing in Medical Progress
New or improved treatments can help to improve and save lives. Continuing investments in research and development are essential if we want tomorrow’s care to be even better.
The Environment for Medical Progress
Medical progress also depends on policies that encourage research. Strong intellectual property and data protection laws, accurate ways to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments, robust and efficient regulatory and approval processes, as well as adequate and fair reimbursement are all important components of an environment that encourages innovation.