Early Clinical Research and Experimental Medicine (ECREM)

ECREM is where the work of discovery research transitions into the realm of clinical research. The Translational Medicine (TM) group begins work when the drug target is first nominated. TM assists Discovery scientists by developing biomarkers that help indicate the future performance of compounds. This group also designs a robust, narrowly-defined, clinical Proof of Concept (PoC) study to enable a rapid decision on whether to move compounds to the next level of development. Once the compounds enter the clinic, ECREM is responsible for conducting small studies supporting drug registration and commercialization. Scientists in this area generate data on toxicity, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics in humans to enable the safe and speedy exploration of efficacy and safety of new therapeutic agents in pivotal registration clinical trials. This process enables SPRI to decide whether to continue clinical studies of a particular compound, develop a backup compound or abandon the drug target.