Translational Science Resources
We offer a variety of resources that you can use to better understand translational science and the challenges it is addressing.
Our Translational Science Resources
Contact
Amanda Vogel, Ph.D., M.P.H.
TDB Program Staff
Visit our Multimedia page to learn more about translational science.
Translational science is the field that generates scientific and operational innovations that overcome the long-standing barriers along the translational research pipeline. By advancing translational science, we can improve the process of turning research observations into health solutions and ultimately bring more treatments to all people more quickly. Explore these resources to learn more about translational science.
Translational Science Infographic
Developing new treatments can take a very long time. This infographic highlights some of the challenges as well as translational science approaches we’re using to overcome them.
Translational Science Infographic
Drug Development Illustrated: Infusing Equity Into Preclinical Research
Historically, the focus on equity and reducing disparities in biomedical research was most often applied within the context of clinical research or health care delivery. The preclinical environment — situated in the center of the biomedical research ecosystem and bookended by clinical research and health care delivery — was generally excluded because of the presumed objectivity of bench science research in this phase. This presumed objectivity led to a lack of attention paid to the impact of broader infrastructural and global disparities on the understanding of rare diseases and the inclusion of the communities that have been historically underserved and underrepresented in biomedical research.
NCATS recognized the absence of equity considerations in the preclinical research phase and identified ways to begin understanding and addressing these gaps. The Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI) Therapeutic Development Branch (TDB) embarked on an initiative to infuse equity into preclinical research and drug development, with rare diseases as the exemplar.
Patients, advocates, community knowledge interpreters and research partners reported unfamiliarity with the specifics of the drug development phase and requirements to proceed after initial drug discovery. They conveyed a need for educational resources that describe the preclinical journey and detail the drug development process.
To address this educational gap and respond to partner feedback, NCATS DPI TDB developed a Knowledge Guide. This resource was created to help partners become familiar with the preclinical phase of the drug development process. The Guide is expected to inform and engage a broad audience; reduce knowledge disparities; and advance equity, especially in rare disorders and for those underserved and historically underrepresented in biomedical research.
The Knowledge Guide illustrates the drug development journey, starting from when a drug candidate is chosen. A team of multidisciplinary scientists uses project management best practices to move through a two-stage preclinical process toward clinical development (Figure A). Paired with Figure A is a step-by-step description of how scientists develop a drug that will be safe to test in humans (Figure B). The Guide also includes key concepts and highlights an ecosystem that conveys the importance of equity throughout the span of preclinical biomedical research (Figure C).
Infusing Equity Into Preclinical Drug Development
Depiction of the drug development process as a metaphorical journey through a canyon with a central river.
Infusing Equity Into Preclinical Drug Development
NCATS is making these materials available for use via a CC BY-ND 4.0 License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ |
Key Concepts and Ecosystem
"Key Concepts Ecosystem" outlines essential functions and activities in preclinical research and development.
Key Concepts and Ecosystem
NCATS is making these materials available for use via a CC BY-ND 4.0 License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ |
Preclinical Drug Development: Stages and Milestones Infographic
The ecosystem of preclinical drug development, divided into early and late preclinical stages. Emphasis is on the iterative nature of drug development, ensuring regulatory compliance and safety before human clinical trials.
Preclinical Drug Development: Stages and Milestones Infographic
NCATS is making these materials available for use via a CC BY-ND 4.0 License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ |
Drug Discovery, Development and Deployment Maps
The Drug Discovery, Development and Deployment Maps (4DM) represent the modern therapeutic development process to more easily identify opportunities to expedite it. The maps provide a common framework for discussing the therapeutic development process and serve as an education tool for those who are new to it. They also can facilitate discussions on innovative solutions to existing bottlenecks.
Two versions of the 4DM are available: one for small molecules (Figure A), and another for biologics, using monoclonal antibodies as the representative therapeutic (Figure B). They illustrate some of the unique differences between the development of these products. Both files are licensed to the public under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike International 4.0 (CC BY-SA 4.0) license, which allows use and adaption as long as the user provides attribution and shares any adaptations back to the public under the same license. Read more about the 4DM.
Translational Scientists
The Role of Translational Scientists
There is tremendous need for people to discover, develop and disseminate the next generation of science and technology to improve human health. Watch the video above to learn more about translational scientists.
Translational Science Characteristics
Translational scientists are innovative and collaborative, searching for ways to break down barriers in the translation process.