Biotech Values

[poorgradstudent]

>I assume you are not opposed to use of say KRAS testing before using anti-EGFR drugs?<

No I'm not. From my point of view those were rationally driven.

What I'm objecting to is more the work by academics to try and get some type of molecular (protein and/or gene) fingerprint for known diseases in order to "enhance" initial *diagnosis*. I stress diagnosis, as opposed to the diagnosis - treatment pairings that encompass efforts like K-ras.

I'm pretty negative on the role of academia in these projects. It's a poor use of the public dollar imo. For a good example of this type of "waste," check out the number of citations on pubmed involving academics who are trying to develop ever more sensitive troponin tests for heart attacks. The only tangible result has been more and more disagreements about what a pre-pre-heart attack is, without any tangible impact on patient care (other than plenty of useless testing).