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

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

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

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. 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.

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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

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

18. Gamze Sart, Ph.D