Getting Drugs to Patients Faster
What’s next for the pharmaceutical industry? Colleen Dixon and Mary Lou Glotzbach discuss key areas for improvement, including automation, eco-friendly practices, and patient-centric delivery methods
| 2 min read | Future
What we asked: “Looking ahead to the next 5–10 years, what will be the key disruptors and/or what can be improved upon in the pharma industry?”
Response from: Colleen Dixon, CEO, Selkirk Pharma
“Getting drugs to patients faster relies upon the fidelity and speed of information transfer between stages of drug development. It is time for manufacturers to take a serious look at their approach to developing new products. Efficient, flexible clinical material supply supports quicker development and less manual technology transfer could speed commercial production.
“For the last two decades, the timeline from pilot process to commercialization scale and subsequent submission has remained largely unchanged. As more rapid clinical development approaches emerge, they reveal cumbersome, dated tech transfer processes that impact both manufacturers and patients. Further, the industry would benefit from additional FDA guidance, which exists for analytical tech transfer, but is lacking in process.
“Fortunately, technological advances offer opportunities to drive speed. The adoption of Pharma 4.0 approaches could allow knowledge transfer through automated interfaces designed to rapidly construct protocols, records, and reports. Using highly skilled professionals to slowly and painfully transfer knowledge is wasteful in a world where information can flow directly from an innovator to a manufacturer through software integration. Hours spent searching knowledge bases or creating draft documents can easily be cut short through the application of AI. Further, direct transfer of information reduces errors that would otherwise waste time and increase effort.
“Let’s set a target and drive for an 8-week tech transfer process before our slow analog approaches are painfully exposed by rapid clinical innovation! Let’s take advantage of current technology to better our systems, and call for updated guidance to help us deliver products and get patients out of the waiting room.”
Response from: Mary Lou Glotzbach, Business Development Executive, Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing
“I anticipate significant drug development and manufacturing advancements focused on innovative drug delivery methods that enhance patient care. Self-administration options are evolving with the aim of improving the patient's quality of life. Collaboration between drug delivery device companies and CDMOs will further support pharmaceutical advancements in patient care.
“Additionally, a continued focus on sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing practices within the industry is imperative. Striving to minimize waste, diminish energy consumption, and devise environmentally conscious packaging materials can significantly mitigate our ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.
“Furthermore, enhanced collaboration and knowledge exchange within the industry are crucial to expediting the development of novel treatments. Fostering a culture of cooperation can cultivate a more innovative and streamlined drug development ecosystem, leading to expedited and cost-efficient medical breakthroughs.
“In summary, my aspirations for drug development and manufacturing center around the continual prioritization of patient care, environmental sustainability, and collaborative progress, ultimately culminating in a healthier and more equitable global landscape.”
Read over 100 other views on the future of the pharma industry on our special web page.
