Technology’s Role in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Advancements in technology have had a growing impact on a number of industries over the past few years, with the pharmaceutical industry seeing major technological advancements in the last decade. With growing discussions around digital transformation, artificial intelligence and advancing medical technology, what changes will be coming for the pharmaceutical industry?

 

We’ve looked at the current trends and explored predictions for future advancements. 

 

 

 

Technological innovation has already made waves in the pharmaceutical industry. In such a complex industry, there are a lot of opportunities for different technologies to make a difference. One of the current trends is clinical trials for new drugs and treatments. Technology has accelerated the process of patient recruitment with artificial intelligence, narrowing down the best patients. Clinical trials can also now be conducted entirely virtually, eliminating the need for in-person interaction.¹ Technology has also sped up the process of data collection and analysis in clinical trials, reducing trial durations and costs. Medable is one service already offering remote clinical trial services along with AI data reporting.²

 

 

Artificial intelligence has also supported new drug discovery. Exscienta is one of many companies committed to using AI engineering to analyse huge datasets to develop new drugs. In January 2020, Exscienta announced the first molecule designed by Artificial Intelligence, DSP-1181, to enter a Phase 1 Clinical trial. The drug is a candidate to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and is currently being investigated as a treatment. 

 

 

Pharmacogenomics is the use of genetic information to predict a patient’s response to specific drugs and minimise adverse reactions, which has also been enhanced by improving technology. Companies such as 23andMe and AncestryDNA already offer genetic testing services which provide insights into an individual’s response to drugs.³

 

 

Blockchain technology has also begun to be used in the pharmaceutical industry. Blockchain technology can track the pharmaceutical supply chain to prevent counterfeiting. IBM’s Food Trust and MediLedger are already offering blockchain-based supply chain solutions. As MediLedger explains: “Blockchain is a mechanism to enforce business rules automatically between participants. Every participant in a blockchain network has a copy of the blockchain data and the rules being enforced on that data. No single party can change the data or the rules. This creates trust between trading partners that was never possible before now.”⁴

 

 

 

The continuing evolution of pharmacogenomic research will improve specialised medicine even further. Patients can be offered highly personalised and effective medications using genetic data. For Specialist Pharmacy, this means the ability to create compounded medications which are precisely calibrated to meet the unique genetic makeup of each patient. This approach enhances treatment whilst also improving patient safety and compliance. This technology will eventually lead to personalised healthcare solutions becoming more of the norm for patients.

 

While we’ve already seen digitalisation have an impact on clinical trials, it is likely digital treatments and telemedicine will only continue to grow. With improved technologies, patients will likely access healthcare options through applications. Remote monitoring through tech will also become more common. This will likely improve patient access and allow for a wider range of care delivery. 

 

We are also likely to see changes in drug development in the pharmaceutical industry. Data analytic tools will be used to assess and deliver decision-making in drug development, manufacturing and supply chain management. AI and machines will likely also take on potential drug candidates. Data-driven algorithms will be able to analyse huge data sets, including genetic information and chemical structures, in order to predict the effectiveness of compounds. This will substantially speed up the early stages of drug discovery.

 

Technology may also significantly impact pharmaceutical manufacturing, with further advancements in automation and robotics increasing efficiency and quality control in pharmaceutical production. AI may also be able to repurpose drugs by identifying which existing drugs could be used for new therapeutic purposes, saving time and resources.

 

It is fascinating to see the technological advancements already making a profound impact on the pharmaceutical industry, with current trends such as digital clinical trials, genetic profiles informing patients of health concerns, and new AI drug discoveries transforming the industry landscape. Virtual trials are enhancing patient recruitment and data collection, accelerating the development of life-saving therapies. The precision medicine approach, driven by pharmacogenomics, is ushering in an era of highly personalised treatment strategies, minimising adverse effects and maximising efficacy. AI-powered drug discovery is speeding up candidate identification and repurposing existing medications, leading to innovative solutions for various health conditions. Telemedicine is improving patient access to care and will continue to grow. 

 

While it’s worth acknowledging the challenges of fully implementing future technological developments, such as cost and time restraints, resource limitations, green-manufacturing concerns and complex and up-and-coming regulatory requirements, it is clear technology will continue to bring about change in the pharmaceutical industry. The predictions for more specialised medicines, streamlined drug discovery and drug repurposing and the continued growth of telemedicine will enhance patient well-being, reduce healthcare costs and lead to the development of new treatments. With the help of technology, the pharmaceutical industry is poised to become more patient-centric, efficient and effective. As these trends continue to evolve, we can anticipate a healthier future for all and an improved pharma industry.