Biomedical Research and the Commercialization Agenda: A Review of main Considerations for Neuroscience

Abstract

This article reviews a range of issues associated with the commercialization of biomedical research and speculates on how these issues might apply to the neuroscience context. Drawing on existing studies of the impact of research commercialization activities on various areas of biotechnology research, the authors explore normative benchmarks for assessing and resolving issues likely to arise from the commercialization of neuroscientific research, including such topics as patenting, marketing pressures, and representations of research prospects.

Keywords:

• biotechnology
• collaborative research
• commercialization
• neuroethics
• research ethics

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Idowu Ohioze and Megan Koper for research assistance, and the Stem Cell Network and Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research for funding support. We are also grateful to Tania Bubela and the reviewers for their excellent comments on earlier drafts of the article.