Pharmaceutical Companies, Technology / 24.12.2024

1. The widespread use of machine learning

In recent years, we have seen the growing prevalence of generative artificial intelligence, as well as devices and platforms powered by machine learning. The healthcare sector isn’t spared from such disruptions as major brands and public institutions are harnessing AI to aid in conducting more accurate and ethical clinical tests and developing new drugs.    There’s no room for downplaying AI’s value to pharmaceutical research as it helps with analyzing molecular structures and patient data to come up with optimal formulations without compromising patient safety. While this would still require companies to tap into their existing knowledge bases, AI can help reduce the time it takes to formulate, test, and approve new products. 

2. Regulatory and ethical challenges remain

The emergence of generative AI in medical research doesn’t come without resistance coming from regulators. Considering that the technology is still at its most primitive despite its impressive capabilities, there is a growing need to enforce regulations addressing AI’s limitations and overreliance. Calls for greater equity in the pharmaceutical sector are also growing as stakeholders demand more affordable products.    The recent assassination of United Health CEO Brian Thompson highlights inequities that are also observed in the pharmaceutical industry, where quality vaccines and life-saving medication remain inaccessible to most low- and middle-income nations. Aside from this, there is also the need for companies to do their part in environmental protection by using technologies such as an effluent decontamination system for compliance and investing in sustainable manufacturing processes. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cost of Health Care, JAMA, Pharmaceutical Companies, Yale / 22.01.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Neeraj Patel Medical Student (MS-2), Yale School of Medicine New Haven, CT MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising has been increasing in popularity for the past two decades or so, particularly via television. But it’s highly controversial. Only two high-income countries (the U.S. and New Zealand) widely permit this type of advertising for prescription drugs. Critics have pointed to a growing body of literature that suggests that direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs can be misleading, lead to inappropriate prescribing, and inflate healthcare costs. Proponents have argued that it improves public health by promoting clinically beneficial prescribing. (more…)