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8th September 2009

Technology is key for the future of drug delivery, says panel of industry experts

• New drug delivery report identifies optimism in the market for technology innovation, but cautions about emerging environmental regulations

There is growing market potential for the integration of electronic functionality into devices which will improve patient outcomes, says a panel of industry experts in an influential report launched today.

The report, '2020: a new drug delivery landscape', provides a summary of the proceedings at two workshops, hosted by Cambridge Consultants and attended by industry experts from across the drug delivery and pharmaceuticals industries, including representatives from ‘big pharma’ companies like Astra Zeneca, Novartis and GSK, as well as smaller drug delivery start-ups.  Held in Leicestershire, UK and Boston, US in April 2009, the workshops focused on the key issues and opportunities that will influence the drug delivery industry over the next 10 years.

According to the report's findings, devices with advanced electronic functionality are expected to take an increasing share of the systemic delivery market in the next few years, constituting a major growth opportunity for innovative companies.  One perspective, particularly prevalent in the US, is that complex electronic technologies are maturing, enabling both regulators and pharma companies to gain the level of confidence in such systems needed for broad acceptance.

On a cautionary note, delegates from Europe pointed to increasing regulation surrounding waste and environmental impact.  Issues such as battery and micro-electronics disposal will require specific measures if they are not to impede the proliferation of such advanced devices.

Andrew Diston, Global Medtech Practice Leader at Cambridge Consultants, said, "The world of pharmaceutical delivery is poised to realise many of the benefits of technological advances from other industries, where standards are reaching towards the requirements for medical applications.  These workshops identified much optimism in the market.  Reliable micro-electronics platforms may provide significant additional functionality and connectivity for new delivery devices, providing great opportunities for innovative pharma companies and new start ups alike to play a part in this healthcare revolution."

Delegates did, however, observe that, while there is currently a severe shortage in investment capital to fund such innovation, the bigger picture for the long term was more hopeful.  Andrew Diston adds, "What we see at the moment is governments in Europe and the US carefully considering the impact of an aging population and increasing chronic disease on the future cost of healthcare.  The result of this will be a renewed effort to make healthcare expenditure go further, which will mean a renewed focus on efficient systems that deliver better patient outcomes.  The future leaders in this new market may be those companies that capitalise on the opportunity to significantly improve patient outcomes through enhanced device functionality."

To request a copy of the Drug Delivery Workshop 2009 report, please click here.

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