Monday, June 1, 2009

FasterCures: It’s not just our name, it’s our mission

By Margaret Anderson, COO, FasterCures
Six years ago, FasterCures started working on creating a medical research system for the 21st Century that saves lives by saving time. It’s a lofty goal. But one that must be met without compromise. Millions of people who have been diagnosed with a deadly or debilitating disease have compromised enough. There is not a moment – or a life – to lose.

FasterCures is an “action tank” for a reason – we focus on clearing the path between an idea for treatment and getting a treatment to the patient. That path is no straight line. Akin to being in the middle of a maze, we know there is an opening in the end. This maze has multiple paths leading to the ultimate goal. Some of the dead-ends we hit are actually facades – enough to slow you down, stop you at times, but with the right tools, and more importantly, the right perspectives, these artificial, arbitrary barriers can be overcome to clear the path to faster progress.

Barriers to progress in accelerating cures exist all along the research continuum – from basic research to development, from medical education to medical practice, from investment capital to human capital. We’ve spent our first six years identifying and analyzing these barriers and developing innovative and relevant programs to overcome these barriers.

Our commitment is steadfast as we continue to implement tangible programs and develop pragmatic solutions. Our eye is on the prize as we nimbly respond to shifting markets, an ever-evolving policy landscape, and medical breakthroughs that disrupt tried and tested approaches. We work hard to transform medical research so it could work faster and more efficiently. Here’s a glimpse of some of our programmatic efforts that allow us to do this:
(please click on image for printer-friendly version of the FasterCures Blueprint for Change Update)


We all share an interest in finding improved treatments and cures. Most of us know someone – a father, sister, child, friend or colleague – who has suffered from or died from a terrible disease. No one is immune. Much remains to be done. Get involved with FasterCures today.

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