AstraZeneca says 5R framework increased productivity

In a paper published in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, researchers at AstraZeneca plc (LSE:AZN; NYSE:AZN) wrote that the pharma's 5R framework has increased R&D productivity since its implementation in 2011, with 19% of drug candidates moving to completion of Phase III in 2012-2016 compared with 4% in 2005-2010. The research was led by Menelas Pangalos, who is EVP of AZ's IMED Biotech Unit and business development.

In a 2014 Nature Reviews Drug Discovery paper, the pharma said it established the framework based on a comprehensive longitudinal review of its small molecule drug projects from 2005 to 2010. The researchers identified five key technical factors as substantial contributors to project failures, which formed the basis of the 5R framework -- right target, right tissue, right safety, right patient and right commercial potential...