Complexity, Digitalization, and Personalized Medicine: The Future of Pharma

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: Marcel de Matas, CTO & Co-Founder, Seda Pharmaceutical Development Services

Complex medicines, particularly gene therapies, nucleic acid therapies, and mRNA-based vaccines, have reshaped the landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic was a critical turning point, accelerating the development and approval of mRNA vaccines, which proved to be a powerful tool in responding to global health emergencies. This success sparked tremendous interest in biotech companies and expanded the capabilities of health agencies, leading to more streamlined clinical testing, expansion in contract development and a boom in manufacturing capacity in this area. Looking ahead, we can expect this trend to continue, with even more focus on genomic medicines, particularly gene editing products, as these technologies mature and start becoming approved therapies.

Digitalization has also revolutionized how the industry operates. Over the past decade, we have seen AI become a cornerstone in drug discovery, helping to identify promising therapeutic candidates much faster. Similarly, modeling and simulation have improved our ability to predict drug performance in humans, while automation is beginning to transform manufacturing processes, ensuring consistent quality and manufacturing efficiency. Remote and virtual disease management has also surged, driven by advancements in mobile technology and accelerated by the pandemic with greater demand for virtual consultations. In the next ten years, these digital innovations will continue to evolve, with AI, automation, and virtual healthcare becoming even more integral to the industry, and making personalized, data-driven care the norm.

Response from David McErlane, Group President, Catalent Biologics

The future offers incredible opportunities for improved patient outcomes as a result of digitalization and AI.  We are already seeing the impact on drug development and manufacturing processes that prioritize patient needs, improve accessibility, and drive greater innovation, with even more on the horizon.

First, I believe we will see a continued shift towards more personalized and targeted therapies, where drug development is tailored to the unique genetic profiles and medical histories of individual patients. This would not only enhance the effectiveness of treatments but also minimize the risk of adverse reactions. 

Second, I expect evolving manufacturing techniques will enhance the scalability, efficiency, and affordability of drug production. Trends to look for include the adoption of continuous manufacturing processes, the utilization of advanced automation and robotics, and the exploration of novel materials and production methods. By reducing the costs associated with drug manufacturing, these innovations would ultimately contribute to greater accessibility and affordability for patients in need.

Finally, I see a meaningful increase in solutions supporting sustainability and environmental responsibility within the biopharmaceutical industry. This could manifest in the development of greener, more eco-friendly production processes, the implementation of circular economy principles, and the exploration of alternative energy sources to power drug manufacturing facilities. By embracing sustainable practices, the industry can minimize its environmental impact and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.

I am optimistic that the next decade will see real, transformative changes driving better outcomes for patients. Drug development and manufacturing can play a meaningful role, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.

Read over 100 other views on the future of the pharma industry on our special web page.