14 minute read
SPOTLIGHT
PHARMACEUTICALS: THE ROAD AHEAD
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It is detrimental for any industry to be stuck in a rut. Take for example the pharmaceutical and life science industry. This industry as a whole has resisted developing new business models. The end result: declining research and development (R&D), expiring patents on blockbuster drugs and therapies, shrinking sales forces and increasing demand from customers and payers for more innovative products.
The industry is now at a crossroads. Its business model looks dated in a healthcare ecosystem that is changing dramatically. So how should companies respond? Should it be business as usual, with a possibility of fading into insignifi cance? Or should companies completely rethink their ways of engaging with all the stakeholders in an effort to fl ourish anew? In today’s increasingly complex and fast changing environment, business model innovation is critical to success.
To compete more effectively, the industry must develop new business models, fuel innovation in R&D and drive greater discovery. The way forward involves developing strategies in support of advanced therapies and technologies; maximizing development by integrating modeling and simulation with clinical trial programs; using social networking to connect globally to gather insights; collaborating more effectively throughout the company, and with partners and suppliers. Those who choose to engage more fully in the healthcare ecosystem and drive outcomes with solutions that extend ‘beyond the pill’ will play a new and transformational role.
For instance, pharmaceutical companies could investigate how to augment their lifesaving products with services that complement them. A recent University of Alberta research initiative demonstrates how scientists there used software to study elderly clients who volunteer to stay in an independent living suite at the local rehabilitation facility. The suite is instrumented with sensors and equipped with smart devices collecting information about their daily activities. A key part of the study was focused on ensuring these elderly patients correctly took their prescriptions.
The data is used to make better use of healthcare resources, enable remote collaboration among providers and contribute to early intervention and long-term management of chronic diseases. This type of innovative research can be used to extend the length of time seniors are able to live in their homes.
To truly thrive and innovate, pharmaceutical companies need to make a similar transition by taking on a larger role in helping patients with their healthcare, and in the process, open up new market opportunities. This would mean forming partnerships with insurers and healthcare providers to promote adherence to prescriptions. By creating services related to its life-saving products that help patients deal with their illnesses and reduce discharge times, or eliminating the
need for hospitalization altogether, pharmaceutical companies could be seen as custodians of health.
As such, pharmaceutical companies can be key players in a society that demands increased value in healthcare, safer solutions, better outcomes, sustainability and accountability. But to achieve this degree of efficacy, the industry needs to become more instrumented, interconnected and intelligent – in a word smarter.
We see five fundamental truths that will drive the industry to a more integrated and collaborative model:
1. Loners will be losers
R&D teams must find ways to collaborate and share intellectual property, compounds, data including clinical, safety and outcomes. Working more closely with the payer and provider community is key to solving the enormous global healthcare challenge. It is no longer simply about how any one company can solve a given problem, but rather how it can best leverage those around to work together to find solutions and solve problems in a distinct and repeatable manner, i.e., sustained market leadership.
2. Outcomes will drive the dialogue
The days of sample drops and robotic delivery of canned messages from sales reps are gone. Relationships with healthcare providers, payers and patients will be based on trust, value and outcomes, which will be managed through a variety of channels. Whichever business model your organization chooses, its success will become largely dependent on maximizing outcomes of the individuals who use its products and/or solutions. If your business is not able to consistently provide evidence that its products and/or solutions provide positive outcomes for the identified patients, it risks becoming a low-margin commodity business.
3. Bring down the data walls
In a highly interdependent healthcare ecosystem, it is essential to be able to share and analyze information. Combining and mining vast quantities of data uncovers clues that would otherwise be impossible to detect across discovery, development, marketing and the supply chain. The data walls must enable sharing of data (e.g., electronic medical records), as leveraging the same internally focused data elements that the industry has for decades will no longer be sufficient. Companies must also determine how to best gain true insights into the data they currently have, as many companies are currently data rich and insight poor.
4. Visibility is vital
Integrated medical knowledge bases and real-time information will become the cornerstones of the new healthcare ecosystem. Medical insight will be driven by both longitudinal and real-time streaming data that will enable a shift to proactive care.
5. Individual is paramount
Helping people stay well, get well, and/or manage illnesses efficiently and effectively is the goal. Pharmaceutical companies must rethink their role in truly knowing and helping people.
As the industry continues to address its present challenges, it will need to look for new and smarter ways to squeeze value out of all its core business processes. Many core processes will need to be reassessed and redesigned to better align with the changing economic environment. Today’s economic environment has heightened the urgency for the development of sustainable business models, and the industry, with its conventional business model, is at the centre of the change. As a first step, it is time for pharmaceutical companies to re-examine their business models to enable innovation, keeping costs as low as possible and become a valued partner within the healthcare ecosystem.
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Temperature transmitter Omega
is launching a new series of stainless steel, non-contact infrared temperature transmitters, with max, min average and instant readings; peak or valley hold, re-
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Tissue culture dish Phoenix is intro-
ducing a new line of EcoCellTM Dishes for tissue culture applications. The dishes can be used to grow diffi cult-to-attach and critical cells. With strong adhesion properties, the new line can improve cell viability and count by 10 to 30 per cent, depending on the cell type. They offer better light transmission from their unique design and allow for better imaging without having to transfer the cells to a glass slide. EcoCellTM Dishes have environmentally-preferable technology, reducing the amount of plastic material needed to create the dishes. Made in ISO Class 5 cleanrooms, the dishes are certifi ed sterile by additional gamma irradiation, non-pyrogenic, noncytotoxic and are DNase/RHase-free. Web: www.phoenix-biomed.com
Mettler Toledo introduces its new line of U-shaped fl oor scale products. Included within this line is the PTA669 stainless steel, low-profi le pallet scale, ideally suited for the washdown environments found in the pharmaceutical and bio-gen markets. The scale’s rocker-pin suspension automatically aligns load forces for exceptional weighing accuracy; and its fully open channels and less surface area allows for faster and easier washdown in sanitary applications. The PTA669’s U-shaped platform simplifi es the job of loading pallets and containers onto the scale. There are no ramps or pits, so the scale costs less to install, saves for space, and speeds up loading and weighing. PTA669 pallet scales are customizable to meet a variety of weighing needs. All models are available in capacities from 1,000 lb up to 5,000 lbs. Web: www.mt.com/PTAx6x
Multi-wavelength imaging Andor
Technology plc introduces its new multi-
wavelength imaging portfolio, made up of the TuCam, an advanced two camera adapter for simultaneous imaging, and Optosplit II, a dual emission splitter that divides an image into two separate spatially equivalent components which can be displayed side-by-side on a single camera sensor. TuCam and Optosplit II feature fast, con-
current detection of two different fl uorophores in experiments, and are compatible with Andor’s complete range of low light imaging cameras. Web: www.andor.com/scientifi c_ cameras/multi_wavelength_imaging/
High-throughput Thermo Fisher Scientifi c’s Dionex UltiMate 3000 XRS UHPLC system offers UHPLC capabilities in solvent delivery and sample handling, with a variety of detector options for highthroughput laboratories. UltiMate 3000 XRS has the lowest gradient delay volume and unmatched fl ow precision with accuracy
among all leading quaternary UHPLC platforms. The new system supports robust chromatographic runs with column pressures up to 1,250 bar (18,130 psi). Its new fl ow cell design, along with Viper connection technology, means lower resolution loss and peak dispersion. UltiMate 3000 XRS has high resolution chromatography, complimentary detection technologies, a fl exible confi guration and user accessibility for pharma, biopharma, environmental, food safety and chemical laboratories. Web: www.thermoscientifi c.com/ uhplc-xrs
High-throughput Thermo Fisher Scientifi c’s Dionex UltiMate 3000 XRS UHPLC system offers UHPLC capabilities in solvent delivery and sample handling, with a variety of detector options for highthroughput laboratories. UltiMate 3000 XRS has the lowest gradient delay volume and unmatched fl ow precision with accuracy among all leading quaternary UHPLC platforms. The new system supports robust chromatographic runs with column pressures up to 1,250 bar (18,130 psi). Its new fl ow cell design, along with Viper connection technology, means lower resolution loss and peak dispersion. UltiMate 3000 XRS has high resolution chromatography, complimentary detection technologies, a fl exible confi guration and user accessibility for pharma, biopharma, environmental, food safety and chemical laboratories. Web: www.thermoscientifi c.com/ exactiveplus
Freezers New Brunswick Scientifi c, an Eppendorf company, introduces its HEF® High Effi ciency Freezer, the latest in a series of energy-saving ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers. The new freezers consume up to 59 per cent less energy than competitive units and have a lower carbon impact on the environment. The ULT freezers are virtually never turned off, compared to other laboratory systems, energy requirements can be high in order to maintain the very low temperatures needed for sample preservation. Web: www.eppendorf.com/freezers
Tips Eppendorf’s new Combitips advanced® offer safe, accurate liquid dispensing by positive displacement. The new tips have a colour-coded size system, elongated tips (size 2.5 mL, 5.0 mL, 10 mL) that completely empty standard laboratory tubes, a dispenser box with chute, and an extra purity grade of ‘Eppendorf PCR clean.’ They are available in nine sizes and can be used with any Eppendorf Multipette for precise pipetting of identical amounts of liquids in series. Combitips advanced® have hermetically-sealed pistons that
prevent contamination, and the positivedisplacement allows for high precision dispensing of problematic liquids, such as those with high density. The funnel geometry improves haptic feedback and stops damage to gloves. No slip agents are used in the manufacturing process, meaning bioassays can have better results. Web: www.eppendorf.com
Data logger Omega introduces a new battery-powered data logger that records input transitions or contact closures from external sources, including transducers and state initiators. A CE compliant product, the OM-CP-STATE101A has a 10-year battery life, 4 Hz reading rate, a multiple start/stop function and high speed download capability. Suited for HVAC, chemical and environmental applications, features also include a 406, 323 reading storage
capacity, optional memory wrap, optional protection and a battery life indicator. Web: www.omega.ca/shop/pptsc. asp?ref=OM-CP-STATE101A&fl ag=1
Thermometer Omega launches its new wireless humidity and temperature monitoring and alarm system. The OM-CPTHERMALERT-RH has real time notifi cation of humidity or temperature changes and has a user-programmable alarm that
sends a message by text, screen alarm or email if an alarm arises. CE compliant, it has wireless two-way communication, a precision RTD sensing component and a long-lasting battery. Web: www.omega.ca/shop/pptsc. asp?ref=OM-CP-THERMALERTRH&fl ag=1
Cell culture media STEMCELL Tech-
nologies introduces its StemSpan™ ACF, a new animal component-free (ACF) and chemically-defi ned hematopoietic stem cell expansion medium. StemSpan™ ACF is the fi rst complete medium for culture and expansion of hematopoietic stem cells that doesn’t contain any animal or human proteins, only containing recombitant and synthetic elements. It lets researchers study hematopoiesis and cell therapy development without transmission of adventitious agents from plasmaderived components, or have study results lack consistency between different lots of human or bovine proteins. Web: www.stemcell.com/en/Products/All-Products/StemSpanACF.aspx
Testing machine Shimadzu Scientifi c Instruments’ new user-friendly UH-X/FX Series offer hydraulic universal testing machines for high-precision testing control, with an environmentally friendly design that can reduce energy expenditure is laboratories. The UH-X and UH-FX testers have a semi-auto-tuning function allowing for stress and strain control. They comply with ISO 6892-2009 and JIS Z2241 metallic testing standards and their control parameters are auto-tuned in real time based on test force and strain values during testing, which users can measure without specifying an amplifi er range. Users can perform tests without a computer, by inserting a USB memory stick into the measurement controller, and test parameters will be automatically stored in the USB’s memory and can be analyzed by Shimadzu’s TRAPEZIUMX software. Both UH-X/FX include 10.4 inch colour touch screens and display S-S curves in real time. They have a hybrid hydraulic-powered system that combines an AC servo motor with a hydraulic pump, which operates only when necessary, reducing power consumption by up to 82 per cent and requiring 50 per cent less hydraulic oil to run.. Web: www.ssi.shimadzu.com/products/product.cfm?product=uh-x_fx.
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Ag-West Bio..............................................................................................................11 .................................................................................................www.agwest.sk.ca Amgen Canada Inc. .................................................................................................2 .......................................................................................... www.policymatters.ca Andor Technology..................................................................................................25 .................................................................................................... www.andor.com BioPartnering Europe ............................................................................................31 ................................................................................. www.techvision.com/bpfe BIOTECanada ...........................................................................................................12 ............................................................................................ www.biotecanada.ca Canadian Science Policy Conference..................................................................13 .................................................................................................. www.cspc2012.ca Children’s Miracle Network ..................................................................................25 .....................................................................www.childrensmiraclenetwork.ca Eppendorf............................................................................................................ 32, 26 ........................................................................................ www.eppendorf.com Life Science Association of Manitoba.................................................................17 .......................................................................................................... www.lsam.ca Mettler Toledo.........................................................................................................25 ..........................................................................................................www.mt.com New Brunswick Scientific......................................................................................26 ...................................................................................................... www.nbsc.com OBIO ...........................................................................................................................7 ............................................................................................................www.obio.ca OICR............................................................................................................................5 ............................................................................www.oicr.on.ca/techexpo2012 Omega .................................................................................................................. 25, 26 .................................................................................................. www.omega.ca Phoenix.....................................................................................................................25 ................................................................................ www.phoenix-biomed.com POI Business Interiors............................................................................................19 ............................................................................................................. www.poi.ca Shimadzu Scientific Instruments ........................................................................27 .......................................................................................www.ssi.shimadzu.com STEMCELL Technologies ........................................................................................27 ............................................................................................... www.stemcell.com Thermo Fisher Scientific .......................................................................................26 .................................................................................www.thermoscientific.com
