In oncology R&D finding the balance between too much of a good thing and too little is something of a fine art.

Novel targets and de-risking the R&D efforts
Consider the twin pain and perils often faced by biotechs these days when trying to fundraise – of too many companies in a stampeding herd after the same popular target – and too few when it comes to what is considered a ‘not clinically validated target’.
The sweet spot is probably in the middle, although let’s not forget someone somewhere has to give it a go and offer a viable proof of concept in the first place!
Perhaps nowhere is this dilemma more evident than with intractable targets – especially ones simultaneously deemed essential for many cancers, yet relegated to the dreaded “too difficult” category by many. This is often perceived as a no-go area where scientific ingenuity confronts the cold hard realities of investor and financial scepticism.
The most promising innovations, however, often emerge at precisely this intersection of scientific challenge and untapped opportunity.
As Kevan Shokat demonstrated with his KRAS probes, a whole new industry crops up once someone shines a light on a new path.
It’s time for another tricky target to receive some attention since there may be an unexpected new path forward thanks to some innovative and novel research pointing the way…
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