The pharmaceutical industry is under pressure to keep up with the latest advances in technology. The COVID-19 pandemic showed the speed at which vaccines can be developed, through the adoption of modern available technologies.
From artificial intelligence, to data analytics, to the Internet of Things, there are a whole host of new technologies that could be used in the pharma industry to automate repetitive processes, identify potential issues and solutions and speed up the process for developing new products.
By embracing new technologies, pharma companies can stay ahead of the competition and improve the quality of care for patients.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science that focuses on creating machines that are capable of human-like intelligent behavior. AI is used in many industries, but it’s especially important in the pharmaceutical industry.
One of the most important roles of AI in the pharma industry is drug development. AI can be used to screen vast numbers of compounds for their potential to treat a particular disease. This helps to speed up the process of developing new drugs, and it can also lead to the development of more effective and targeted treatments. AI is also being used to analyze data from clinical trials to allow quicker and more accurate identification of which drugs are safe and effective.
Another kind of AI is called machine learning (ML), based on mathematics and statistics. Machine learning looks at past data and uses statistics to create its own rules. This makes it an incredibly useful tool in emerging innovation areas like drug discovery and toxicology.
ML is already being used in many areas of the pharma industry — including drug discovery, toxicology and healthcare. Most importantly, it’s being used to analyze large amounts of data. For example, researchers might use ML to look at the results of different clinical trials. All of this data must then be analyzed to determine whether a drug is suitable for use.
Blockchain technology
The blockchain is a decentralized, highly encrypted public ledger that records transactions between parties. It’s a trusted database that is accessible to everyone, but only editable by certain people. Originally built to be an online payment system, the blockchain is now being applied to many other industries, including pharma.
Many pharma giants like Pfizer or Amgen are looking to use blockchains to solve supply chain disruption and data disparity, and to streamline medical transactions. This technology can create a more transparent and efficient supply chain for healthcare companies, and is used to track clinical trials and manage patient data.
Perhaps most importantly, blockchain can help to ensure that drugs are safe and effective by creating a more efficient and transparent system for managing data, reducing errors and improving patient care. This technology has the ability to significantly change the pharma sector.
Data analytics
With the vast amounts of data being generated by clinical trials and patient surveys, data analytics can help the pharmaceutical industry identify trends and target areas for improvement. For example, data analytics can be used to identify which patients are more likely to respond positively to a certain medication. This information can then be used to tailor marketing campaigns and improve patient outcomes.
Additionally, data analytics can monitor clinical trial results and identify potential issues early on, helping to avoid costly delays and ensure that new medications are safe and effective.
Automation
Automation plays a big role in the pharmaceutical industry, from packaging to quality control. It is particularly important in the manufacturing process, where it can help to ensure that products are made to the correct specifications.
By automating processes, pharma companies can eliminate errors and increase efficiency. This allows them to produce a higher quality product in less time, as well as track data more effectively to identify issues early on and correct them quickly.
Internet of Things
The IoT is a network of physical devices, vehicles, and home appliances that are connected to the internet. This connection allows them to collect and exchange data. By connecting devices, the IoT can help to optimize processes and create efficiencies.
For the pharmaceutical sector, the IoT can help improve patient outcomes, lower costs and increase efficiency. For example, the IoT can be used to track patients’ compliance with their medication regimen. This information can then be used to adjust the treatment plan accordingly. The IoT can also be used to manage inventory and track the movement of drugs through the supply chain.
The IoT is still in its early stages, but the potential benefits for the pharmaceutical sector are huge. Adopting the IoT will be essential for the sector to stay competitive in the years to come.
Discover tech opportunities for your pharma company
The pharma industry is constantly working on new ways to improve the quality of care for patients. Embracing new technologies will enable pharma companies to increase their efficiency, reliability and drug development, while also reducing the risk of human error and issues such as supply chain disruption.
The IT experts at BCS365 specialize in providing pharma and life sciences companies with modern IT services and solutions to help them reach their goals quicker and more securely, while maintaining compliance. Talk to them today and find out how they can enhance your digital workspace.