Regulatory agencies have provided various leverages to adopt digital technologies in business operations
Souvik Chatterjee, Practice Head, Pharma at Tata Elxsi talks about how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated tech-transformations in the life sciences industry, be it drug development, manufacturing, clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, regulatory approvals or sales and distribution, in an interview with Lakshmipriya Nair
As a technology partner, tell us how COVID-19 is causing a metamorphosis in the life sciences industry. Which areas of the pharma value chain will see the most far-reaching changes? What will be the drivers?
There has been a tremendous impact on the entire life sciences sector especially on the research institutions and pharma companies due to the pandemic. Drug manufacturers have to deal with regulatory frameworks and also fasten the process right from finding the drug molecule to large scale production and distribution. The pharma companies are focusing on identifying the molecule and our focus is on partnering with pharma companies to expedite new drug approval and drug repurposing for COVID-19 treatment, providing the risk-benefit analysis to provide the best medicine to patients. Today we see a push in adoption and embracing digital technologies for ease of doing business. Regulatory agencies have also provided various leverages in adopting digital technologies in business operations. e.g. FDA announced updated guidelines on digital therapeutics considering the COVID-19 outbreak and management of diseases remotely. Telemedicine, virtual training, roboti