A coalition of US organizations specializing in drug chemistry is hard at work developing lead compounds for potential new treatments. Led by researcher Pfister, the team conducts experiments to assess both the toxicity and effectiveness of these compounds. The ultimate goal is to advance at least one treatment into early-phase clinical trials.
Funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been secured for the current financial year, and Pfister expresses optimism for future funding possibilities. “It’s such an important opportunity for all of us to work together,” he stated, emphasizing a focus on collaboration rather than worst-case scenarios.
Pfister shared insights with Undark about his team in Heidelberg, Germany, which boasts the world’s largest collection of pediatric cancer models— a unique resource not available in the US. He underscored the complementary nature of their research, explaining, “If significant parts would drop out, you cannot run the project anymore.”
International cooperation is particularly crucial for rare diseases, Pfister noted. He highlighted the limited number of patients within any single country, remarking, “We don’t have the patient numbers, we don’t have the critical mass.” To effectively conduct early clinical trials, researchers often engage participants across both the US and Europe. “That’s just not because we are crazy, but just because this is the only way to physically conduct them,” he added.
Pfister acknowledged that the US has long been a leader in drug development, stating, “Obviously the US has been the powerhouse for biomedical research for the last 50 years,” which has attracted some of the best talent in the field. He warned that a diminished US presence could significantly affect the availability of resources and personnel critical for advancing patient care, asserting, “Any dreams of this all moving to Europe are illusions in my mind.”
While European officials have indicated a willingness to step in to bridge funding gaps, Pfister and others believe the proposed amounts fall far short of what is necessary. “The amount of money available in Europe is a very different order of magnitude,” he said. He pointed out that a reduction in US funding would hinder collaboration, which is essential for researchers in Europe to succeed. “In the US, we are talking about dozens of billions of dollars less in research, and this cannot be compensated in any way by the EU or any other funder.” Compounding these concerns, the French scientists’ union has criticized the country for failing to uphold funding commitments made as far back as 2010.
