Global Pharma Summit 2019 Report

In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has started integrating a new intelligence, which has given rise to new demands in both the research process and the laboratory itself. Adopting AI (artificial intelligence) to improve efficiency for various tasks, integrating a multitude of systems, improving productivity and reducing human error through automation - all of these trends have created a climate in which reliable, more efficient analysis in research and development is expected. 

Meanwhile, Luciano Rosado of Prati Donaduzzi, Brazil, discussed improving efficiency in laboratories through a multitude of data and introducing cases that show real improvement. Mr. Rosado outlined that “Prati is the largest producer of generic drugs in Brazil, and we have achieved this growth through our academic expertise and efficiency, as well as our polished technological process which places a high priority on cost-benefit analyses.” The company’s QC lab features Shimadzu’s Prominence HPLC system. 

Though Biopharma has been the largest growth segment for pharma business globally, another key emerging trend is medicinal use of cannabis. Use of cannabis as a drug product is supported by legalization process in multiple geographies of north America, Europe, Thailand etc. Several speakers operating at the edge of both these exciting industries took the stage at the summit.

Biopharmaceutical products are much more complicated in their functionality and production process. The inherent complexity and complexity of process translates into expensive drug which typical are only solution for people dealing with fatal health concerns like cancer.

China’s Dr. Cuihua Chloe Liu outlined the potential of this market: “By 2020, the biopharmaceutical market will have grown to $1,400 billion, seeing an annual increase of 15 percent. This figure is double the traditional pharmaceutical market. In China, biopharmaceuticals have been seeing tremendous growth, and they carry tremendous potential in combatting rare diseases.”

Dr. Cuihua Chloe Liu

Anticipating the spread of medical marijuana in Thailand, Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital is looking at developing the cultivation, manufacturing and quality control of cannabis, in addition to patient monitoring and establishing an educational system with regards to the drug. Though research is still being performed regarding the safety and efficacy of cannabis for medical use, and while it remains to be approved by the country’s regulatory institution, one of the hospital’s researchers, Dr. Pekakrong Kwankhao, described the situation in Thailand: “In February of 2019, usage of medical marijuana was legalized, and currently we are at the stage where only hospitals and accredited agencies may treat with the drug. In our hospital, we are exploring cannabis’ effect on quality of life among cancer patients and developing medical products to that end.”

The CEO of Front Range Biosciences Inc. USA, Dr. Jonathan Vaught, introduced the chemical diversity and potential of the medical effects of cannabis through outlining two examples of recent research, one concerning the effects of THC on cancer cell biology and another on applied research together with autistics. He stated that “cannabis has wide applications, both for medical as well as commercial use as wellness products. The secret to unlocking its potential lies in understanding its make-up and chemical diversity.”

Dr. Jonathan Vaught

Under its motto “Excellence in Science”, Shimadzu continuously strives to contribute to advancements in science through its analytical technology. In recent years, industries have undergone technology transformation. As the use of AI and IoT technologies are rapidly advancing in society, there is an increasing demand for creating new value by making people, machines and data connected. Shimadzu aims to create Shared Value for both human health and Shimadzu businesses by implementing AI technologies and developing products and solutions in partnership with the pharmaceutical industry.

By listening to the needs of researchers and other users of our products, Shimadzu has proposed its new concept of “Analytical Intelligence” to usher in a new intelligence for analytical instruments. 

Analytical Intelligence describes automated support functions utilizing digital technology, such as M2M, IoT, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), that enable higher productivity and maximum reliability. It consists of systems and software that simulate expert operators automatically, determining whether conditions and results are good or not, providing feedback to users, and solving common problems. It increases data reliability by compensating for any differences between users in their instrument knowledge or experience.

Shimadzu’s Shuzo Maruyama summed up the summit as follows: “This year’s summit was a chance to truly feel the various changes happening in the pharmaceutical industry stemming from new technology aiming to improve productivity and increase efficiency. As a provider of indispensable analytical technology, we aim to provide solutions, supporting researchers, reducing downtime in the lab and reducing human error through Analytical Intelligence. This is how we will provide new value for the industry as a whole.” 

The pharmaceutical industry’s aim is to support our health. With regards to that, Shimadzu aims to not only continue to provide new products but is looking towards being a comprehensive healthcare solution provider for its global partners through its paradigm of Analytical Intelligence as AI technologies transform industries, including pharma. These activities are done with the grand goal of realizing a healthier, better lifestyle for everybody, and Shimadzu looks forward to addressing industry challenges on a global stage.