A special feature in the forthcoming April issue of ACRP’s Clinical Researcher journal puts a spotlight on how the life sciences sector has been undergoing an immense transformation, driven by the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and natural language processing, and by the exploitation of “big data” sources in new and powerful ways.
According to contributor Jane Lyons, European Regional Coordinator for the Quality Management and Compliance Value Delivery Center and Country Manager for PharmaLex Ireland, these new technologies and practices are enabling companies to restructure their business models, reduce human error, increase efficiency and performance, and bring innovative products to the market much faster.
“This has led to the emergence of a new ‘pharmaceutical intelligence’ that has allowed the industry to move away from traditional, slow-moving, and costly processes,” Lyons writes. “AI is increasingly important in drug discovery and development as well as clinical trials, operations, pharmacovigilance, and many other areas.”
The life sciences sector is increasingly leveraging technology across its operations, and this trend will continue in 2023 with more collaborations and partnerships between pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies and information technology vendors, Lyons adds.
“Through these collaborations, advanced technologies tied to AI and big data are being employed to develop personalized and targeted medicines, ultimately leading to more effective treatments for diseases like cancer and immune deficiencies,” Lyons notes. “This will also allow companies to utilize advanced computational models to find better treatments more quickly while also reducing costs associated with drug development. This trend has already begun and is only likely to grow as companies continue to invest in advanced analytics and data-driven decisions.”
In the full article, Lyons goes on to address trends in using blockchain technology for data transparency and security between organizations sharing their knowledge with one another; bringing digital health innovations to market; ensuring safety and efficacy in drug development with computer software assurance and computer systems validation; leveraging changes in an evolving regulatory landscape for competitive advantages; and exploring other areas of technology-related interest for research sponsors and their stakeholders.
Other articles to come in the April 2023 Clinical Researcher include a peer-reviewed contribution on “Electronic Source Reduces Protocol Deviations Compared to Paper Source in Clinical Trials” and columns on “Recommendations for Navigating New Regulations on Decentralized Clinical Trials,” “EU Adopts New Approach to Medical Device Regulation Deadlines,” “Factors for Ensuring a Successful Launch and Market Access for Specialty Drugs and Novel Cell or Gene Therapies,” “Clinical Data Management: From Back Office to Center Stage,” “Twists and Turns on the Winding Road of Digital Therapeutics: From Product Development to Approval to Access,” “A Primer on the Importance of Recruitment and Retention in Clinical Trials,” “Dose Optimization: Getting it Right for Vulnerable Populations,” and “Clinical Trial Technology: A World of Opportunity for Entrepreneurs with the Right Mindset.” Look for the issue to go online on or about Tuesday, April 18.
Edited by Gary Cramer
