For companies whose drugs flunk, the consequences can be catastrophic, particularly in this rough economy. Companies can lose hundreds of millions of dollars, face layoffs or acquisition, or even potentially shutter. However, software may be able to help improve their chances.

A couple of Boston-area startup companies are creating modeling systems and applications to help cut down on the failures, while research institutions are also working on the problem. Just a few weeks ago, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute announced plans to open a new Center for Cancer Computational Biology. The facility will provide researchers with additional data analysis and interpretation tools and services.

In February, the University of Rhode Island’s biotechnology center in Providence announced the creation of the Institute for Immunology and Informatics. Researchers will use cutting-edge bioinformatics tools to speed up creation of treatments and cures.

Full Story: Software to help biotechs' drug effectiveness Source: Mass High Tech, April 17th, 2009 Author: Marc Songini Added on April 21st, 2009 at 9:24 am, by Matt Mikula