Patient centricity is driving change in drug discovery and development, leading to a a new dawn in therapeutics.
Manufacturers across many sectors and industries have recognized that a successful product requires customer input and focus from start to finish. The pharmaceutical industry has previously dedicated its efforts and resources toward establishing the quality, safety, and stability of a novel drug, without enough consideration of the reception of the drug by the customer. For example, highly protective multi-layer blister packages might be developed to ensure the stability of the capsule inside, but the typical patient (75–80 years old) would be unable to open it by themselves. While the chemistry and efficacy of a new formulation are of the utmost importance, the drug is not going to be effective if the patient is unable or unwilling to adhere to their medication regimen.
The increased concern surrounding medical adherence, particularly in the context of antibiotic resistance, has initiated a significant shift toward patient-centricity. As patients begin to be placed at the forefront of pharmaceutical development, novel technologies and alternative formulations are emerging to facilitate greater patient compliance. Whether these technologies allow for reduced dosage frequency, fewer side effects, smaller pill size, or more convenient drug delivery routes, patient-centricity is increasingly at the core of the pharma industry.
Read this article in the Trends in Formulation 2022 eBook
Frédérique Bordes-Picard is vice-president of Business Development, Europe, at Nanoform.
Pharmaceutical Technology
eBook: Trends in Formulation
October 2022
Pages: 10–13
When referring to this article, please cite it as F. Bordes-Picard, " Small is a Powerful Ingredient for Patient-Centric Formulations," Pharmaceutical Technology's Trends in Formulation eBook (October 2022).
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