Understanding Pharmaceutical Technology

1. Understanding Pharmaceutical Technology Presented by TechDogs

2. INTRODUCTION However, the reality of pharmaceutical research and development isn’t quite as interesting as science fiction. Nevertheless, new technologies like blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), wearable devices and 3D printing are reinventing the way pharmaceutical and biotech companies discover, research, develop and distribute drugs. Pharmaceutical Technology promises to improve care for patients and address healthcare disparities throughout the world. Read on to learn how we went from herb gardens and bubbling cauldrons in the Middle Ages to developing drugs using 3D printing technologies in the 21st century (and so much more!). Science fiction writers never fail to invent aspirational treatments for all kinds of diseases, conditions, human frailties and injuries. From devices that create breathable air directly from poisoned atmospheres to compounds that help you stay sober regardless of how much you drink to a drug that entirely eliminates the need for sleep, Hollywood’s depiction of miracle cures is vast and (seemingly) endless. Imagine the possibility with 8 additional hours that you would get each day not having to sleep at night! More so, the reality of pharmaceutical manufacturing isn’t as exciting or (dare we say) as impressive as it’s depicted in the movies or on TV. Developing new drugs and treatments is a painstakingly slow process that includes many layers of research and development. From getting patients enrolled in clinical trials to collecting and analyzing data to manufacturing and distributing drugs, new technologies are helping pharma and biotech companies transform the entire product development process.

3. WHAT IS PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY? Pharmatech leverages new technologies like blockchain, cloud computing, AI/Machine Learning and IoT (Internet of Things) devices (e.g.: “wearables”) in various completely different aspects of the pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution process. Hollywood tends to depict the finished result — the drug itself - not the exhaustive work involved in bringing the new drug into the market. Even shows like Netflix’s Maniac, which features an actual drug prototype and clinical trial, skip the R&D process to get us to the fun stuff (namely, the main characters’ spiraling madness and ultimate redemption). Pharmatech uses new, state-of-the-art technologies to revolutionize every step of the pharmaceutical development process, including patient outreach, research, data collection/analysis and production. Before we get into the details, it’s helpful to know where it all started. #BlastFromThePast

4. HOW DOES PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY WORK? Social Media For Patient Outreach Sure, you can post photos of your cat to Twitter or embarrass your teenage kids by creating a (gulp) TikTok account but social media isn’t just for consumers anymore! Some pharma companies are using social media to engage with patients, gather data and educate the public about their products and brand. Pharma companies are also using social media to create groups and communities around a specific product, treatment, or condition. Here’s a post from Pfizer’s Instagram account promoting their work on the COVID19 vaccine. Data Collection For Research, Marketing And Personalized Therapy It always comes down to data, doesn’t it? Pharma companies are using new technologies like AI and ML to do lots of interesting things. You knew that already, right? This data can be leveraged for various purposes, including useful pharmaceutical stuff (e.g.: analysis of drug research data) and not-so-useful stuff (e.g.: targeted marketing campaigns.) 3D Printing For Drug Production 3D Printing isn’t just for creating baffling contemporary sculptures anymore! Pharma and biotech companies are experimenting with lots of terrifying yet intriguing applications – including creating 3D printed organs and, yes, even drugs. In fact, 3D printing technology promises to revolutionize drug production by enabling pharma companies to (cost-effectively) manufacture treatments for rare diseases (e.g.: “orphan” drugs).

5. WHY DO WE NEED PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY? We’re sure you can answer this one – but here’s why. Pharmatech is the next logical step in the modernization of drug development. It’s (dare we say) revolutionary! We need new technologies to make drugs more affordable and accessible to a global patient population. Innovations like cloud computing combined with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning mean that governments can easily collaborate with external entities to quickly respond to emergency situations. Pharmaceutical research has existed since the 1500s and will continue to remain a critical aspect of our daily lives (even more so after the unprecedented 2020-2022 era!). Hence, it is necessary to understand where Pharmaceutical Technology is headed in the future.

6. THE FUTURE OF PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY The future of Pharmatech is focused on delivering better care for patients. Pharmatech will improve access to vital treatments by increasing efficiency across the entire R&D process. Pharmatech will even change the way medications are prescribed, supplied and regulated through a wide range of tools that enable pharmacists to electronically access, manage and share patient information. Yes, soon those not-so-tasty medicines may be available in chocolate flavor or tailored to your specific needs.

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