Commentary & Perspectives

Precision Therapies: The Last Mile

Why therapies still take years to reach the patients who need them

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Despite advancements in drug development and approval, patients often face significant delays in diagnosis, sometimes extending to a decade, even for prevalent conditions. This issue stems from inadequate recognition of symptoms by primary care providers and subsequent referrals to specialists who may lack complete patient histories. The current commercial model primarily targets physicians, neglecting the early stages of the patient journey, particularly in the context of precision medicine where timely diagnosis is vital. An integrated approach that encompasses patient trajectories is necessary to bridge this gap and ensure timely treatment.

Original Source(s)

Precision Therapies: The Last Mile

Why therapies still take years to reach the patients who need them

  • by Pete Harbin

  • March 12, 2026

  • 8 min

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