Re: QSAR - Informatics-Outsourcing

Hello again:

Judging from the reaction of Dave and Roger, my moderate command of the English language made me less clear than I hoped.

To try to clarify; I distinguish between consulting and outsourcing. Of course drug companies as well as all other companies need help by good consultants with data analysis, and many other things. A consultant always works closely with individuals and groups in the company, and is an extension rather than a substitute.

In contrast, outsourcing in the present case, is (according to my view) leaving over the whole process of data analysis and interpretation to a outside company, often motivated by a hope to save money. Hence it is more a substitute than an extension.

So, in summary, consulting is necessary, outsourcing of R&D data analysis is, in my humble view, doubtful.

Hoping my views now are a little more understandable.

All the best // Svante
Svante Wold
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Roger LAHANA
  To: qsar_society^^^accelrys.com ; Svante Wold
  Sent: Wednesday, January 08, 2003 2:34 AM
  Subject: RE: QSAR - Informatics-Outsourcing

  Hello David and colleagues,

  I certainly agree with the reaction of David to Svante Wold's comments. To paraphrase David's comment - mind you, many companies (including this one) and consultants earn their revenues from outsourcing data analysis, rational design and more generally, drug discovery (is there anything more sensitive?????). And I have to say that I was surprised to read such opposite statements from Svante Wold who is developing and selling some of these beautiful software tools that make this outsourcing feasible.

  Happy new year to all,

  Roger
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  Dr Roger Lahana Synt:em
  Vice-President Discovery Parc Scientifique G.Besse
  email: rlahana:+:syntem.com 30000 Nimes, France
  Tel: +33 (0)466 048 668 (Direct) Fax: +33 (0)466 048 667
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> In my view, outsourcing the informatics and data analysis of a
> pharmaceutical company is very risky, and I would advice against it.

    I have to disagree with this. Mind you, I earn my living from outsourcing so I guess I would, wouldn't I ?

> This for several reasons. (1) The data relating to the development of
> a new drug are very sensitive and should not be allowed to go in
> anybody elses computer, especially not in organized form, i.e.,data
> bases. (2) The results of the analysis of such data are even more
> sensitive and valuable, and should definitely not be seen by
> outsiders.

    But these are both amply covered by standard confidentiality agreements.

>(3) The quality of informatics and data analysis depends
> very much on the motivation of the persons actually doing the work.
> Sufficient knowledge and motivation is very difficult or impossible to
> get outside the walls of the pharma company.

    Au contraire, it is easy to find the knowledge and motivation if you go to the right person. I might add that it is often useful to have a fresh pair of eyes look at the problem, to say nothing of new techniques or fresh approaches.

    I would like to think that some of my customers agree !

>
> Outsourcing can be done of routine tasks requiring moderate security,
> i.e., payroll and the like. Research and development data of a
> pharmaceutical company are their most valuable asset, and their
> organization and analysis should not be left to others.

    I agree that a company needs people on their payroll who understand what is done or needs to be done, but help in R&D is no different to any other kind of help.

    Best wishes and Happy New Year,

                            Dave.

>
> With the best regards // Svante Wold, Umea University and Umetrics
> Group.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Parthi
> To: qsar_society:+:accelrys.com
> Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2003 7:02 AM
> Subject: QSAR - Informatics-Outsourcing
>
> Dear Colleagues:
> The trend in drug discovery, including the information technology
> area, is to want and get things done faster, more reliably, and less
> expensively, which today means to outsource it. In this scenario, what
> exactly do the pharma and biotech companies are looking for in
> specialised informatics companies for outsourcing. I would appreciate
> your thoughts. Is it client-centric databases or some software
> services or development of client-centric specialised tools. If you
> have something particular I will be happy to contact you to have
> further discussion. Thanks in advance for your replies. I will
> summarise all your replies. Thanks and Regards
> - Parthiban S
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------
> Do the Informatics companies really have market, if so, whatare the
> key areas that a start-up informatics company should concentrate?
> -------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
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Received on 2003-01-08 - 10:49 GMT