Translational Research: Case of Istanbul University Gamze Sart Istanbul University Translational Research: Case of Istanbul University

Translational research, “transforms scientific discoveries arising from the laboratory, clinical, or population studies into clinical applications…” Source: National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health

Istanbul University 23 Faculties +6,000 R&D 6 Hospitals 2,5 M Patients +400 Patents in 3 Years 10% registered

Translational potential • Does the proposed project address a high priority translational research area that challenges and seeks to shift current clinical practice paradigms by using novel assessment, preventive or therapeutic approaches or methodologies, instrumentation or intervention? • Is the proposed project based on a plan that is well- reasoned, realistic and feasible?

Translational potential • Have possible barriers been anticipated and are solutions and alternative strategies proposed? • Are all the needed resources, including drugs and reagents, readily available? • Are proposed expenses fully justified and reasonable in relation to the proposed project?

In Istanbul University, by using translational research strategies, specific subjects and treatments , such as breast cancer, have been transformed – developed, tested, and brought – into medical practice more rapidly.

New Tools & Applications Two Way Street Lab New Tools & Applications Clinic Population Source: National Cancer Institute

The Translation Continuum Basic Scientific Discovery Early Translation Late Translation Dissemination Adoption Promising gene Basic epidemiological finding Partnerships Intervention development Phase III trials Regulatory approval Health services research to support dissemination and adoption To community providers To patients and public Adoption of advance by providers, patients, and public Payment mechanisms to enable adoption Source: National Cancer Institute

The Istanbul University Roadmap Designed to provide the “bricks” of the homes of translational research Homes are academic centers with cadre of well-trained researchers Integrated resources (including informatics, upgraded biostatistics) Commitment to tearing down programmatic and disciplinary “silos” Flexible and individual – one size will not fit all

Our mission is to: Align organizational “service” based activities Provide education, training and mentoring to clinical research personnel Develop an integrated research infrastructure

Important Meta-cognitive Awareness Translation is not linear Penetration of the most successful interventions rarely exceeds 1% of target population Barriers to transfer Political atmosphere Public awareness Financing concerns Timing

Creation of a new intellectual discipline Strengths Designed to improve health Systems based approach proposed Multi-disciplinary Innovative Flexible and responsive to environment Collaborations within and outside of academic centers

Creation of a new intellectual discipline Potential barriers Institutional culture change Infusion of resources Infrastructure for funding, payments, tenure, institutional reviews Existing curricula for training scientists emphasis on independent research Shortage of mentors with skills

Scientific inquiry can limit translation Additional Problems Discovery of the solution is out of synch with providers “readiness to use it” Scientific inquiry can limit translation Costs of training and lag time until performance exceeds baseline

Investment Initiative Understand the translation of technology What makes a technology valuable / worth commercializing? What makes a good team? What makes a good company? Understand a critical component of the biomedical ecosystem Venture Creation Venture Capital Private Equity Hedge Funds Private Public

Entrepreneurship Initiative Our goal is to make the process of translating biotech and healthcare technologies at IU easier, faster, and more likely to succeed. Roadmap – Synthesis of all available resources at IU to assist healthcare entrepreneurs Survey – Inward and outward facing to determine greatest demand and need New Programming – Supplement the existing infrastructure in the areas of greatest need

Systematic Approach for Tech Valuation by Using 8Ms Machine Material Methodology Money Mother Earth BCC Mind Power Man Power Moments

Gamze Sart, Ph.D gamze.sart@istanbul.edu.tr +90532 296 8612