Abstract

Translating promising academic discoveries into viable therapeutic programs requires more than compelling biology. It depends on the integration of target validation, disease-relevant models, pharmacology, biomarker strategy, intellectual property, clinical positioning and commercial feasibility. This talk will examine the critical steps and common gaps along the path from scientific discovery to therapeutic opportunity, with a particular focus on neurodegenerative diseases. Drawing on experience from DanubeNeuro, a translational program that identifies and de-risks academic innovations, this talk will discuss how early-stage projects are evaluated, prioritized and prepared for partnerships with biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies and investors. The presentation will also explore how translational thinking can be incorporated earlier into academic research without compromising scientific curiosity or ambition.