Digital Transformation (DX) in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Background
Digital transformation (DX) in the area of pharmaceutical manufacturing involves the adoption of digital technologies that improve various aspects of the drug production process from beginning to end. These phases typically include research and development (R&D), supply chain management, new drug launches, quality control, and more.
The main purposes of digital transformation within the field of pharmaceutical manufacturing are to increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve product quality, and enhance the overall competitiveness of the industry.
As digital technology advances, it raises the safety standard, which benefits both the patient and pharmaceutical company. Patients have a greater level of security in dosage and ingredients, while pharmaceutical companies can now spend more time on research and development over product management.
Key digital technologies that are being leveraged in this sector include the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and big data analytics. Here are the key areas that continue to use AI:
Research & Development
Using AI, Machine Learning (ML), and big data analytics accelerates drug discovery and improves R&D efficiency, helping organizations save time in ingredient measurement and record keeping.
AI algorithms have been instrumental in processing large amounts of data generated in the lab, such as chemical structures, biological analytics, and imaging data, that help to identify patterns and relationships that are not as noticeable to the human eye. Large libraries of potential drug candidates can be screened against specific protein targets to identify the most promising candidates for further study. These algorithms can optimize the properties of lead compounds, such as potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetics, to improve their potential results as drug candidates.
Building predictive models based on data to forecast outcomes and guide decision-making in various research areas is easier than ever before. AI technology can help researchers make crucial decisions on drug efficacy and safety, analyze disease progression, and better understand the patient response to treatment.
Supply Chain Management
Leveraging digital technologies improves supply chain visibility, reduces waste and inefficiencies, and increases the speed and accuracy of order fulfillment.
AI algorithms can predict ingredient demand and optimize production schedules based on need. Some ingredients are sourced from rare plants, animals, or minerals, which means that their availability is limited. When these ingredients are scarce, it ultimately leads to high prices that are passed on to both the production company and the consumer. Drug synthesis and purification can now be done using AI technology, which further helps increase efficiency and reduce costs.
In many cases, digital transformation projects often take longer and cost more than originally planned, which is why an organization must keep its core values at the forefront.
Manufacturing
Digital technologies such as computerized systems, sensors, and automated data collection improve process control, reduce waste and inefficiencies, and increase production speed and accuracy. They are used in formulation, granulation, compression, and coating processes.
These advanced algorithms are also used to predict equipment failure and schedule the appropriate maintenance routes, reducing downtime and increasing the company’s overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Leveraging AI in manufacturing, production methods have become easier and more streamlined, leading to reduced consumer costs. It has also led to improved return rates due to reduced production costs.
Quality Control
Using digital technologies such as data analytics, process simulation, and advanced quality control systems improves quality control processes and reduces the risk of product failures.
AI is used to analyze large amounts of quality control data, such as spectra and chromatograms, that help scientists identify potential issues and improve the accuracy of quality control processes.
Digital tools enable the tracking and tracing of products from raw materials to finished goods, improving the transparency and accountability of the quality control process.
These advancements allow for a faster response to product defects, minimizing the cost of medications that have “hard-to-source” or expensive ingredients.
Some ingredients are subject to strict regulations due to their potential toxicity, leading to difficulties in sourcing, handling, and using them. Even just one handling mistake could cost the company significant profits. AI helps reduce the burden that researchers and developers have when it comes to handling these difficult materials.
Conclusion
AI has made a significant impact on scientific research and discovery by providing new tools and insights for data analysis, predictive modeling, and innovation. Digital transformation in the field of pharmaceutical research and manufacturing has also significantly developed because of AI.
AI algorithms will continue to improve, enabling researchers to process and analyze more data and build more sophisticated predictive models. With all of its benefits, however, it is equally important to approach digital transformation responsibly. Consider the ethical implications of its use and ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data used as input.
Here at Mareana, we believe that digital transformation is more than just a technology infrastructure upgrade. It’s about rethinking your organization’s value propositions and business models so you can harness digital capabilities more effectively.
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