The future of the pharmaceutical industry, apart from investing in research and development of new drugs, largely depends on the application of new technologies in drug discovery and production, patient access (such as personalized medicine), and the healthcare system in general. Despite new trends in drug development such as gene therapy, cell therapy, and RNA-based therapy, generic drugs will still be a source of significant revenue for pharmaceutical companies. And yes, we will continue to face drug shortages because the pharmaceutical industry is extremely regulated, which is why even the smallest disruption in the supply of materials for drug production causes significant difficulties as changing suppliers takes a long time…
– When we talk about new drugs, we are proud of the great success of our R&D team, which consists of more than four hundred scientists, and the recent approval and market launch of a drug with an innovative method of administration for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults, which comes directly from our research institute in Zagreb. Looking ahead, we will continue to explore new treatment possibilities for millions of patients affected by CNS and other mental health conditions,” says the CEO of Pliva, Mihael Furjan, a company operating within the Teva group, the largest generic pharmaceutical company in the world.
Problems and Challenges
The media often reports on the discovery of new drugs, but there are also increasing reports of shortages of existing ones. According to Furjan, this problem is the result of a complex combination of disrupted supply chains during the pandemic, a significant increase in input prices for raw materials, energy, and labor costs, as well as an exceptionally strong season for flu, colds, and other illnesses. He emphasizes that the consumption of antibiotics and syrups at one point doubled, and in December 2022, it even tripled compared to ‘normal’ situations.
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– When such a situation occurs, it is very difficult for the pharmaceutical industry to react quickly and offer additional quantities to the market. Changing a supplier, formulation, or production location requires a lot of time to change registration documentation, sometimes a year and a half, for approval by the European Medicines Agency and HALMED. Our industry produces several hundred drug molecules, for which thousands of different materials are needed. If just one supplier is delayed, it has consequences for many drugs and manufacturers,” explains Furjan.
He emphasizes that new technologies have already begun to shape the future of the pharmaceutical industry, and in the coming years, artificial intelligence along with large data systems and their analysis is expected to be among the most important factors that will characterize it.
– We believe that the future of pharmaceuticals is based on the use of technologies that will provide additional services and information to healthcare professionals and patients alongside drugs, which is one of our goals even today,” concludes Furjan.
Changes in Needs and Demands
The company Krka-Farma allocates ten percent of its revenue for development and research annually. More than eighty percent of its sales consist of prescription pharmaceutical products, among which the largest share is held by drugs for the treatment of chronic diseases.
– The research and development activity is part of Krka’s vertically integrated business model that enables the creation and assurance of competitive offerings. We are focused on developing innovative generic pharmaceutical forms with added value,” says the director of Krka-Farma, Gordana Hren, asserting that there will be enough opportunities for quality and large manufacturers in the future.
Therefore, at Krka, despite increasing competition in the generic market, they look optimistically towards the future.
JGL, on the other hand, focuses on three therapeutic areas: nasal, ophthalmological, and dermal products, as well as research and development. Recently, they have started working with nanoemulsions and suspensions.
– The introduction of new technologies such as the mentioned suspensions and nanoemulsions is a real challenge for us because it requires mastering a new area for the company, from understanding the physicochemical principles of a specific pharmaceutical form to introducing new equipment,” says the director of Research and Development at JGL, Maša Safundžić Kučuk.
