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10th May 2005

Convergence of drug delivery and diagnostics technology will be key by 2025

The increasing sophistication of drug delivery and diagnostic products will result in the convergence of these complimentary technologies, enabling drug delivery to be better tailored to individual patients. This will improve the efficacy of drugs and reduce the overall cost of treatment. Furthermore this approach will also address a major issue raised by the medical profession - the need for more evidence from pharmaceutical companies to clearly demonstrate the long-term economic and therapeutic benefits of new device technology.

These findings are from Cambridge Consultants' report into the future of the respiratory drug delivery market, which summarises a recent workshop that attracted senior decision-makers from across the industry. Delegates were asked to develop a shared view of what they saw as critically important to the industry over the next 20-year horizon and what the industry's attention should be focussed on. In addition to the subjects of convergence and long-term evidence, other market issues highlighted include:

• The growing over-the-counter market segment will become increasingly consumer-driven and will focus on delivery routes (favouring inhalation and oral over injection), product design and marketing. Meanwhile the prescription market will continue to be driven by clinicians and will be focussed on cost.
• The group felt that developed nations should consider moving from their current tax-funded and voluntary private medical systems and closer to the Swedish social insurance system, where healthcare funding is directly linked to tax contributions. Although this change may discourage some more expensive developments, it would result in tighter cost control and provide a more holistic view of the total cost of treatment.

Brian Barney, author of the report and head of Cambridge Consultants' drug delivery division, commented, "An interesting outcome from the workshop was that the industry as a whole sees the convergence of diagnostics and delivery as critically important over the next 20 years. This collaboration will lead to better drug delivery, as the patient can be monitored before and after usage and we can make sure that they are getting the treatment that they need." He added, "Over the next 20 years one thing is for certain - the leading innovators will be the ones that use these novel technologies to rapidly develop simple and intuitive products that save lives."

The report titled 'Where will respiratory delivery be in 20 years?' can be requested free of charge from our Drug Delivery page.

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