Providers of technology and science

Dr Leff describes the task of his part of the organisation: “Our group provides technology and science in support of Discovery and Development projects. We are a set of enabling technologies and competencies and we

• produce models e.g. in the form of imaging systems, theoretical pathway models and predictive chemistry tools 
• supply materials – proteins, cells, antibodies, sets of chemical compounds for screening 
• produce data in the form of crystal structures, genetic analyses, pathway mapping, statistical analyses and biological mechanisms 
• supply know-how in the areas of molecular pharmacology, enzymology, statistical genetics, biomarker discovery and experimental design 
• maintain Discovery assets – the compound bank, the DNA archive, the cell bank

And we develop new ways of working and introduce new technologies and scientific approaches into the research areas.”

Involved throughout the Discovery process

Paul Leff explains that the enabling technologies are applied over the whole process of seeking for a new candidate drug:

“A typical Lead Generation project can involve a number of these capabilities: structural chemistry, computational chemistry, biological chemistry, protein science and the compound management group.

A typical Discovery Medicine project (bridging from discovery scientists to clinical experts) can involve a collection of biological capabilities: pathway analysis, genetics, transgenics, in vivo imaging, statistical sciences and antibody generation. These capabilities can be crucial in discovering biomarkers used in the clinic. In each case we need to ensure that projects get the right blend of support from the capabilities.”

Making the right connections

 “Within our industry much is spoken about the need for radical change and new practice. My learning is that new practice may derive from the recognition and acquisition of new core competences," says Paul Leff. "These are not technical competences, but ones which exist in the so-called ‘white space’ between the technical areas.

They have to do with understanding processes and workstreams, challenging current business models and identifying new value in the interactions between departments and functions.  Within Discovery Enabling Capabilities and Sciences we make an effort to apply such approaches to our own interactions and workstreams."

Paul Leff continues: “We do have to engage, motivate and provide mechanisms for people to try new ways of working, and leaders have a crucial role in this. They must set clear direction – the ‘what’ – but then they must create an environment in which the creativity and innovativeness of staff is mobilized to define the ‘how.’ I am committed to these principles.

Published 13 October 2005