Blockchain Technology in the Biotech & Pharma

The application of blockchain technology in the biotech and pharma industry can increase collaboration, trust, traceability, and auditability in clinical trials by improving the processes’ consistency. Using a “network of networks” (blockchains vs. blockchain) could allow distinct sectors like life-science to use a single, interdependent system. Due to early promise, many companies started to assess the potential uses of blockchain technologies to help with counterfeit drugs, licensing, and technical knowledge sharing. However, the implementation of blockchain technologies in the life science sector is still in its infancy.

Continue reading

Strategies for Efficient Financial Planning and Control in Research and Development

pills-943764_1920

Finance is a broad term describing the management of money and other valuables, which can be easily converted into cash to achieve economic objectives of the given organization. The usual structure of the financial department in large, mature pharmaceutical company includes Tax Group (scope: tax declarations & optimization, transfer pricing), Accounting (scope: external reporting, financial data management), Corporate Finance (scope: treasury & capital markets, M&A, investor relations), Controlling (scope: internal reporting, budgeting & planning, business valuation), plus potentially additional groups. Continue reading

Bridging the Knowledge Gaps: The Impact of Incomplete New Product Planning on Biotech Companies

 

road-sign-1274312_1920

Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical companies are usually very different entities. Biotech exists primarily for the innovation and discovery. Pharma companies mainly aim to develop, commercialize and sell their own or acquired products. Therefore, those two types of companies usually take on a very different business model. Continue reading

Pharmaceutical Project Management

businessman-1492561_1920

Per definition of PMI (Project Management Institute), project managers across different industries are assigned by the performing organization to achieve the project objectives. This is a challenging, high-profile role with significant responsibility and shifting priorities. It requires flexibility, good judgment, strong leadership and negotiating skills, and a solid knowledge of project management practices. A project manager must be able to understand project detail but manage from the overall project perspective. As the person responsible for the success of the project, a project manager is in charge of all aspects of the project including, but not limited to:

Continue reading

Know the Pharma Basics: INN and USAN

encapsulate-2171373_1920 copy

An International Nonproprietary Name (INN) is an official generic and nonproprietary name given to a pharmaceutical drug or active ingredient. INN identifies pharmaceutical substances or active pharmaceutical ingredients. Each INN is a unique name that is globally recognized and is public property. A nonproprietary name is also known as a generic name. The INN system is managed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The INN system has been coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1953. Continue reading

Creation of Drug Development Plan

fractal-1673150_1280-copy

Drug development can be described as the process of obtaining the relevant information necessary to be included on your drug prescribing information. Development Plan (DP) is the strategic document that guides the lifecycle of a new product from the pre-clinical lead compound stage through Lifecycle Management (LCM). LCM starts with the first approval of BLA/NDA (first Marketing Authorization) and encompasses development of new indications. In mature pharma organization, DP is approved by the governance bodies. Once approved, it can be regarded as the agreement between executive leadership/board of directors and the program team involved in the discovery, development & commercialization of the product. The DP is a living document and should be amended when the development strategy changes. Continue reading

Qualitative & Behavioral Characteristics of Great Leaders

workplace-1245776_1920.jpg

The quality of leadership within the organization is critical from a business perspective. Yet, according to Gallup’s research, the majority of leaders are not equipped to take on the leadership roles. This status quo hurts not only employees but also decrease the performance of the organizations. Much could be achieved by providing relevant training and development opportunities to the managers and leaders. Many companies though do not invest in leaders’ training and poor management comes at the expense of U.S. economy, costing $398 billion annually.  Continue reading

Loss of Exclusivity & Preservation of Product Value

pills-1354782_1920 copy

My previous post “Patent & Regulatory Exclusivity in Pharma R&D” I have indicated that the pharmaceutical company holding the original pharmaceutical product patent may attempt to fight the loss of exclusivity (LOE). The same article already covered the R&D aspects of the patent and regulatory exclusivity protection, leaving the commercial side to further analysis.

Continue reading

What is Target Product Profile?

health-1628372_1920 copy.jpg

The Target Product Profile provides a structure for the scientific, technical, clinical, and market information, which is the basis for the product development strategy. The Target Product Profile (TPP) is the critical component of the Development Plan (DP), and its existence is necessary to achieve a desired commercial outcome for the particular product. TPP provides all stakeholders with a clear vision of the product objectives and guides for R&D actions and decisions. TPP is a dynamic document that should be reviewed and updated throughout the drug development process. The FDA has also published the guidelines on how to develop a TPP, and the agency encourages its use as a tool to better frame the technical details of the product at advisory meetings. Continue reading