Technology transfer: incentives and disincentives

Issue title: BioTechnology in Dental Medicine

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Rutherford, R. Bruce

Affiliations: Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109-1078, USA

Abstract: Universities and dental schools are increasingly emphasizing the importance of transferring technology based upon faculty research into marketable products. One area of current interest to dentistry involves the utilization of recombinant DNA and protein purification technologies to produce therapeutics based upon the biologic activity of the proteins. This work builds upon the discovery and characterization of several families of protein capable of inducing potent biological responses both in vitro and in vivo. It is motivated by the need to provide patients with additional alternatives for the prevention, diagnosis, arrest or repair of a number of oral conditions or their sequela such as periodontitis, caries, and neoplasia. This article addresses some incentives and disincentives extant within academic institutions encountered during the development of a therapeutic agent for the regeneration of the periodontium. Incentives include professional rewards associated with the development of new therapeutics and disincentives include conflicts between traditional measures of academic achievement and the nature of the work associated with the development of such products. Some ideas for the resolution of disincentives are presented.

DOI: 10.3233/THC-1996-4314

Journal: Technology and Health Care, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 347-351, 1996