From Research to the Bedside: Challenges for Pediatric Academic Researchers

BACKGROUND: Although improving, development of drugs and devices for children is still less effective than for adults. Pediatric academicians play an important role in the bench-to-bedside research process, but much remains to be done to improve their contributions. OBJECTIVE: To provide a non-comprehensive review of selected literature based on my own personal experience as a U.S. based academic researcher who has spent over 4 decades doing pediatric drug and device development. METHODS: This commentary presents a summary of a talk given at a recent pediatric drug development conference. The observations and conclusions reached were based on the author's (largely US) experience and review of past history, the role of academicians in this process, some successful models of public–private collaboration, available funding, and barriers that remain to be overcome. RESULTS: Pediatric-specific legislation and more available funding have increased participation from and successes of US academicians in the pediatric drug and device development process. Incentive based public–private collaborations have been particularly successful. However, academicians still face both attitude and practical barriers to success. CONCLUSIONS: Changes are needed if academicians are to maximize their involvement in pediatric drug and device development.