Schinazi was one of the founders of Triangle Pharmaceuticals, which is developing Coviracil. Liotta chairs the company's scientific advisory board. Other arrangements involve licensing agreements with companies to develop and market innovations, such as that of Associate Professor of Orthopedics Scott Boden, who identified a gene that encourages bone growth and regeneration after injury. Likewise, Associate Professor of Cell Biology Marla Luskin has licensed her patented method of collecting certain neuronal cells that could be used to treat neurological disorders. Not everyone views technology transfer as a miracle cure for the ailing finances of higher education.
Some faculty are cautious about research priorities that favor market interests.
Advancing our understanding of basic science is also a very worthwhile purpose. Researchers also voice the concern that economic competition and confidentiality agreements in academic-business alliances may hinder collaboration and restrict access to biomedical tools, software, and substances. That's a drawback in the biotech interaction. Others worry less about the impact of secrecy. Confidentiality agreements rarely hinder collaboration, says Boden.