THE FUTURE OF DRUG-INDUSTRY RESEARCH AND THE ZENECA RESPONSE

OVERVIEW: Increased cost pressures, more informative and expensive cli nical data, and many competing drug classes require flexible, innovati ve research in the pharmaceutical industry. Fortunately, new tools for drug discovery and the increasing linkage of disease to specific gene tic defects are enabling more efficient innovation in drug discovery. Adapting to these pressures and opportunities, Zeneca Pharmaceuticals Research changed its structure and portfolio management to ensure spee d, quality and quantity in new drug discovery. New research collaborat ions provide new targets, technologies and drug candidates. Research p rojects are analyzed operationally for risk and reward resource alloca tion and portfolio balance. A broader strategic review studies the dis ease areas and their underlying biological effects for their potential values, synergies and fit with Zeneca's business strengths.