The Future of Pharma: Digital and Green Disruptors
Alfred Marchler and Peter Hirst discuss the biggest disruptors shaping the next decade, including digitalization, digital twin technology, and sustainability.
| Opinion
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: Alfred Marchler, CEO, ZETA Holding
The ongoing evolution of technology has many facets based on digital technology. When digitalization is applied intelligently, time to market is shortened, and engineering, construction, commissioning, and qualification activities are accelerated.
Digital platforms enable the aggregation of massive amounts of data derived from various sources, such as engineering or process monitoring. Consistent, comprehensive, and detailed data acquisition, as well as the provision of this data in digital form (e.g., as a virtual image or digital twin of the bioprocessing plant), enables a significant increase in efficiency and pro-actively addresses numerous challenges in the domains of engineering, technology transfer, plant operation or maintenance. Efficient, holistic digitalization solutions significantly support companies to respond with the necessary agility, flexibility, and adaptability and, therefore, master these challenges.
It is now possible to use a virtual image of the real world to make processes more efficient and stable, and to achieve leaps in productivity. Digital three-dimensional spaces not only allow for training in virtual facilities, but also enable employees to be guided through critical production steps using augmented reality. When coupled with simulation tools, current operational conditions can be displayed. Other scenarios can go beyond this, as simulations also look towards the future, allowing for the investigation of possible production scenarios.
Response from: Peter Hirst, CCO, Bespak
The pressure to protect the environment has been a major driver of change in the pharmaceutical industry over the last decade. Looking to the next 10 years, it is clear that the emphasis on sustainability is here to stay. It will be crucial to develop strategies and infrastructures for the drug development and manufacturing industries that will enable lasting change. We need to see the adoption of sustainable practices to the point where they become the industry standard. CDMOs are key to the transition to low GWP propellants, offering the pharmaceutical industry the flexibility to innovate whilst keeping the ongoing supply chain operational.
We will also need to see redrafted requirements for regulatory approval of reformulated products, including the need for new toxicity data. Timely regulatory guidance is crucial to support industry efforts to accelerate the transition to sustainable options.
A significant transformation in the development and manufacture of pharmaceuticals is warranted in two key areas: the integration of circular economy principles and the implementation of product-embodied carbon assessments. Significant strides have been made over the last 10 years, but there is still a long way to go. The next 10 years will likely see some exciting advances as the industry works together to both develop innovations and create the strategies and infrastructure needed to ensure significant and lasting impact.
Read over 100 other views on the future of the pharma industry on our special web page.
