It’s the thought that counts: Ongoing R&D is benefitting the sector

Thanks to ongoing research and development in pharmaceuticals, the sector is benefitting from ongoing innovation which is helping break new boundaries in healthcare. Lu Rahman explains.

The decline of the blockbuster drug means that pharmaceutical companies have been keen to exploit new revenue streams and opportunities. Innovation has become key to the continued success of businesses involved in the manufacture of drugs and medicines. And while the market may not be flooded with single molecule launches, the industry is at the forefront of new healthcare processes and systems which are already becoming potential game changers in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

3D printing in pharma

One of the most exciting new areas of innovation is 3D printing. This technology has become widely used in the manufacturing sector, but its use in pharmaceuticals is still relatively new.

Two years ago University College London set up a spinout company – FabRx – to 3D print drugs, recognising its potential to change the way medicine is manufactured and delivered. The team printed tablets for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and antibacterial polymers suitable for wound dressings.

Earlier this year researchers from the UCL School of Pharmacy began looking for participants to take part in a study examining how 3D-printed pills are handled and swallowed, particularly among paediatric and geriatric members of society.

In the US, Aprecia Pharmaceuticals has already taken a product to market. Last year, the FDA approved the first medicine manufactured using 3D printing. Spritam disintegrates in the mouth with a sip of liquid and is designed to offer a new option for patients, including those who may struggle to take their medicine.

“As we explored potential applications for our 3D printing technology in prescription drug products, it was important that we identified disease areas with a real need for patient-friendly forms of medication,” said Don Wetherhold, CEO of Aprecia.

“Spritam is designed to transform what it is like to take

epilepsy medication, and is the first in a line of products we are developing to provide patients and their caregivers with additional treatment options.”

The role of digital health in pharma

The uses of digital health on the pharmaceutical sector are varied and offer potential for both drug manufactures and the wider healthcare sector.

Last summer, GSK launched a study into rheumatoid arthritis in the US, where participants used iPhones.

The idea behind this Patient Rheumatoid Arthritis Data from the Real World (PARADE) study – wasn’t to test a new medicine but to “bring patients into the center of research so we can better understand the disease and its impact” according to the company. The company used Apple’s ResearchKit and claimed to be the first in the industry to use it in research, in this case, looking at the impact a patient’s disease has on their day-to-day life. Presumably this information will feed back into the supply chain to benefit future drug development.

Data is king

One of the key benefi ts that digital health brings to the pharmaceutical sector is data. Last year Aerobit, provider of a smart respiratory device, teamed up with artificial intelligence (AI) expert, Eularis, with the aim of unlocking the potential of big data and gain a deeper understanding of patient needs, drug efficacy and adherence, and real world data to drive accelerated growth for asthma drugs.

To more effectively manage asthma care, Aerobit introduced a smart inhaler tracking medication use and recording each time an inhaler is taken by an asthma patient.

Ali Moiyed, Aerobit chief executive said: “We are delighted to be working with Eularis. By combining our expertise, we are able to offer pharmas valuable intelligence relating to asthma. This offers great potential to guide product development and improve the quality of lives for the 5 million asthma sufferers within the UK alone.”

Clinical trials and digital health

Clinical trials have benefi tted hugely from the digital health explosion. Earlier this year contract research organisation (CRO) INC Research Holdings and clinical technology and analytics provider Medidata announced a partnership to help life sciences researchers increase the speed and improve the cost and accuracy of clinical trials.

INC Research will use Medidata CSA’s machine-learning capabilities to help sponsors identify clinical trial data anomalies. This will allow the company to prioritise resources around patient safety, data quality and integrity.

Medidata’s chief operating offi cer, Mike Capone said: “Medidata’s partnership with INC Research reflects our shared, long-term commitment to improving clinical trial processes and helping sponsors deliver scientific and medical breakthroughs to patients. We’re proud to be INC’s cloud-based, clinical technology platform of choice, and we look forward to celebrating the continued success of our life sciences customers together.”

Innovation in the pharmaceutical sector is ongoing and varied. As technology opens the door to opportunities, the way in which drug companies seize upon to develop products that benefit the healthcare sector while adding to their bottom line, is exciting to say the least.