This course will explore systematically the central intellectual property and regulatory questions raised by biopharmaceutical research and development (R&D). Students will learn that innovation in biopharmaceutical R&D is particularly complex because of the mix of public and private funding that supports such R&D and because of the intricate regulatory structure that surrounds drugs, biologics, and other interventions that require FDA approval. Throughout the course, students will be expected to engage in economic and policy analysis. Prior or concurrent enrollment in a patent law course is encouraged. Although a background in the biological sciences is not required, students should be prepared to learn basic principles of molecular biology.

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