Biopharma must incentivize scientists to make early go-no-go decisions

The article argues that simply urging scientists to think like entrepreneurs is not enough; biopharma firms need to align rewards with that mindset.

Because only about one in ten drug candidates that enter Phase 1 ever reach the market, the ability to call a project dead early is increasingly valuable.

The author, drawing on 15 years of experience, notes that while many scientists can spot risks, they rarely halt or pivot programs because promotions are tied to advancing milestones.

To foster entrepreneurial thinking and better financial stewardship, companies should redesign incentive structures to reward early risk assessment and decisive program termination.