Prof Zwierzina discusses the Biotherapy Development Association (BDA), a group that brings together pre-clinical and clinical scientists in order to improve links between translational research and clinical trials. The BDA provides a platform for the regulators, industry and academia to discuss scientific and pharmaco-economical issues. Prof Zwierzina discusses the benefits of this exchange but also explains some of the difficulties that arise between these parties. Prof Zwierzina speaks about the significance of the CTLA-4 antibody, developed to treat late stage melanoma patients, and discusses the approach that must be adopted when considering future immunotherapy research.