Pharma services: Rethinking R&D for speed and impact

The pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) field is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a confluence of factors that are reshaping the industry's approach to drug discovery and development. To achieve positive results in this changing environment, pharmaceutical companies need to adjust to the new R&D paradigm.

Key growth drivers shaping the future of pharmaceutical R&D include:

• Outsourcing preclinical R&D to leverage external expertise and cutting-edge technologies, driving efficiency, reducing costs, and accelerating drug discovery.
• Prioritizing clinical assets, focusing on Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials to maximize returns on investment and mitigate the impact of impending patent cliffs.
• Harnessing technological advancements, such as high-throughput screening, automation, and artificial intelligence to streamline R&D processes and unlock new possibilities.

However, the path to success is not without challenges. The pharmaceutical R&D sector must navigate:

• Patent cliffs, with an estimated $236 billion in revenue at risk between 2025 and 2030, necessitating the prioritization of late-stage assets and exploration of innovative strategies.
• Regulatory complexities, requiring companies to stay abreast of evolving landscapes to accelerate time-to-market and ensure compliance.
• Dependence on external innovation, which demands forging strategic partnerships and collaborations to access novel technologies and expertise.

To thrive in this new era of pharmaceutical R&D, companies must embrace agility, innovation, and collaboration. By adapting to the transformative environment and leveraging the right strategies and technologies, pharmaceutical companies can unlock new opportunities for growth and drive successful outcomes in drug discovery and development.

To explore the factors, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of pharmaceutical R&D, download our paper, The evolution of pharma services: Adapting to a new era in R&D.

We would like to thank our contributors on this whitepaper: 

• Julia Krauss, Director, Performance Transformation, KPMG, US
• Jay Galli, Manager, Performance Transformation, KPMG, US