Rate of Investment in Medical Research Declined in US and Increased Globally, from 2004 to 2012

The rate of investment in medical research has declined in the United States, while there has been an increase in research investment globally, particularly in Asia, from 2004 to 2012, according to a study by the Alerion Institute and Alerion Advisors LLC, North Garden, Va., and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore.

Researchers examined developments over the past two decades in the pattern of who conducts and who supports medical research, as well as resulting patents, publications, and new drug and device approvals. Publicly available data from 1994 to 2012 were compiled showing trends in US and international research funding, productivity, and disease burden by source and industry type. Patents and publications from 1981 to 2011 were evaluated using citation rates and impact factors. 

It was seen that from 2004 to 2012, the rate of investment growth declined to 0.8 percent annually and (in real terms) decreased in 3 of the last 5 years, reaching $117 billion (4.5 percent) of total health care expenditures. The US government research funding declined from 57 percent (2004) to 50 percent (2012) of the global total, as did that of US companies (50 percent to 41 percent), with the total US (public plus private) share of global research funding declining from 57 percent to 44 percent. Asia, particularly China, tripled their investment from $2.6 billion (2004) to $9.7 billion (2012). The US share of life science patents declined from 57 percent (1981) to 51 percent (2011). 

The authors concluded, "The analysis underscores the need for the United States to find new sources to support medical research, if the clinical value of its past science investment and opportunities to improve care are to be fully realized. Substantial new private resources are feasible, though public funding can play a greater role. Both will require non-traditional approaches if they are to be politically and economically realistic. Given global trends, the United States will relinquish its historical innovation lead in the next decade unless such measures are undertaken." 

The study appears in JAMA.