In a Year of Unprecedented Growth for Biotechnology Innovation, Targeted Therapies Gain Most Significant Traction, According to New Delo...( SAN DIEGO June 17 /- Leading a tr...)

SAN DIEGO, June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading a trend of unprecedented growth in biotechnology innovation, targeted therapies with companion molecular diagnostics have built significant traction in the past year in terms of development and usage, according to a new Deloitte study released today at the 2008 BIO International Convention in San Diego.

Findings from the Deloitte report support the need to measure innovation in the market, in addition to the lab. Out of six biotechnology innovations measured, the study found that four (targeted therapies, monoclonal antibodies, radiotherapy and drug device combinations) advanced significantly in 2007, marking a year of unprecedented progress and commercial impact. Targeted therapies with companion molecular diagnostics have experienced the most profound surge in realization, rising 50 percent in just three years.

Developed to track the pace and progress of therapeutic-based technologies, the Deloitte report includes both quantitative research leveraging a proprietary index model and qualitative insights and analyses based on interviews with leading life sciences industry executives.

"Given the volatility and the pace of scientific discovery in recent years, there is a need for a fact-based analysis to better understand which innovations are emerging as the most promising and, conversely, which technologies are losing ground," said Matthew Hudes, U.S. managing principal, Biotechnology, for Deloitte Consulting LLP's Life Sciences & Health Care practice, and the director of the study. "As a first step toward more personalized treatments, targeted therapies with companion diagnostics are reaching more patients. However, there remain significant economic, reimbursement and regulatory challenges that could prevent valuable treatments from becoming available to people who need them."

Using data collected over the past six years, Deloitte researchers created a three-stage measurement model coverin
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