OmniGene Inc.'s William Peros typifies dangerous thinking among some science professionals, who believe that the crucible of basic science endows omniscience upon the individual.
Academic environments espoused by Genentech Inc.'s Christopher Fennie are likely to be more the case when the industry is surveyed; these environments rely heavily on knowledgeable business types who share the interest in the technology and can guide essential projects toward collaborations, scaleup, and the marketplace.
The article's author, Marcia Clemmitt, is right when she underlines the challenges of balancing good business practices with scientific freedom. Successful biotechnology companies have the crucial amalgam of scientists with an administrative bent coupled with businessmen and women who have academic backgrounds and predilections for the science involved.
CHRISTOPHER SCOTT
Associate Director
Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Molecular and Genetic Medicine
Stanford University Medical Center
Stanford, Calif.
