The Economics of Reproducibility in Preclinical Research

Leonard P Freedman, Iain Cockburn and Timothy S Simcoe

PLOS Biology, 2015, vol. 13, issue 6, 1-9

Abstract: Low reproducibility rates within life science research undermine cumulative knowledge production and contribute to both delays and costs of therapeutic drug development. An analysis of past studies indicates that the cumulative (total) prevalence of irreproducible preclinical research exceeds 50%, resulting in approximately US$28,000,000,000 (US$28B)/year spent on preclinical research that is not reproducible—in the United States alone. We outline a framework for solutions and a plan for long-term improvements in reproducibility rates that will help to accelerate the discovery of life-saving therapies and cures.This Perspective provides estimates of the rate of irreproducibility of preclinical research and its direct cost implications. It goes on to outline a framework for solutions and a plan for long-term improvements in reproducibility rates.

Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (42)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pbio00:1002165

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002165

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