During the annual Aspen Health Forum, the Hon. Dick Gephardt and the CEO of Astra-Zeneca, David Brennan, joined forces to highlight the importance of funding medical research.
Both research advocates spoke of the need for translational research (i.e. the use of basic scientific discoveries by pharmacetical companies and biotech companies) and the need for better science education.
While Gephardt acknowledged that NIH funding was increased 8-10 years ago, he pointed out that funding has been at a steady state in the time since the increase. It has not been adjusted for inflation or aligned with growing demands.
Gephardt also noted that the crisis of rising healthcare costs has prompted an unfortunate cut in innovation. To combat this, he asked Members of Congress to explain to their constituents how medical research will create jobs, lower cost and lengthen lives.
According to Brennan, if the US continues to lead the way in innovation and collaboration, then partnerships with countries like Europe and Japan will be possible and successful.
As Gephardt said, “Medical innovation has been a hallmark of this society and needs to continue to be. But it won’t happen automatically. It will only happen if we make these investments, if we do some of these things in a more effective way and if we have the young talent—human talent—that really want to do this.”
To watch the full panel discussion, please visit this link.
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