In other news, I'm pleased to report that CSDD continues to be a source of information, insight and perspective to political leaders focused on efforts to balance the need for maintaining economic incentives for research-based companies to develop new drugs and biologics, with the equally important need to ensure that those medicines are affordable and accessible to the patients who need them. On November 20th, I had the privilege of briefing Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-MA), who serves on the Committee on Science, Space and Technology, on issues related to biomedical innovation, government incentive programs, drug pricing, and reimbursement. And on December 15th, I was invited to meet, once again, with Massachusetts Senate President Stan Rosenberg, to discuss R&D challenges and their impact on biomedical investment and innovation in Massachusetts. In my opinion, balancing the need to incentivize innovation with the need to ensure patient access to valuable new treatments is one of the most important challenges facing political leaders today. We at CSDD are proud to offer our scholarly analyses and unique perspective to this critical discussion.

 

It's been a highly productive and fulfilling year for us here at the Tufts Center, and I'm looking forward to an equally successful 2016. On behalf of the entire CSDD team, I wish you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season, and may the new year bring joy, prosperity, and peace. As always, I am grateful for your support. 

Kenneth Kaitin: Novartis Open Forum on Academic-Industry Partnerships, Cambridge, MA, December 16.