Time is most certainly money in the field of drug discovery and development. It takes an average of 10 years to get a drug from the test tube to the market. Therefore, any company that can refine its processes to increase the speed and efficiency of drug development is likely to maximise the return on its investment. Approaches to accelerating the drug development process were discussed at a 1-day seminar organised by the Drug Information Association entitled ‘Taking a Drug Discovery into Pre-Clinical Development’ [Melbourne, Australia; October 1998].