When it comes to global internet-based networking among professionals, LinkedIn is the place to go. Not only does it allow members to build and nurture their contacts; its multiple third-party add-ons — event calendars, reading lists, travel calendars, gateways to Slideshare online presentations, Huddle Workspaces filesharing and whiteboard discussions, filtered links to blogs and Twitter, and online polls offer an impressive amount of useful customizable extensions — even for holders of free basic accounts. A pivotal LinkedIn feature, the interactive discussion groups, is integral to the system.
When I wrote my recent report on drug repurposing – which discusses the revitalization of drug candidates that did not complete their original development for reasons other than safety, or the diversion of a marketed drug to a completely unrelated new use — I was puzzled to find that there seemed to be no dedicated forum where pharmaceutical and life science professionals could discuss these matters. I have now founded such a discussion group on LinkedIn. The group is called “Drug repurposing – reprofiling – repositioning” and uses the mythological bird Phoenix, which is reborn to a new life from its own ashes, as the group logo. There is a broad range of subjects that this group will cover:-
Strategy (what makes a failed molecule a repositioning candidate?)
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Patenting (how to circumvent the specific challenges that IP generation faces in this field)
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Regulatory affairs (how to get market approvals)
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Marketing (how best to position a repurposed drug)
Every LinkedIn member can apply for participation. I urge all colleagues in the pharmaceutical development and strategy business who have an interest in reclaiming prior R&D investments to join “Drug repurposing – reprofiling – repositioning” as soon as possible, and to become an active contributor to the lively discussions that we hope will ensue soon. Be our guest, and join the discussion!