All articles by Blatha
Blatha
Silver linings:cloud-based technology for clinical trials
For pharma and biotech companies, cloud-based technology is poised to deliver simplicity and enhanced sponsor-provider relationships to the costly and prolonged clinical trials process. Neil Thompson speaks about the promise and perils of these technological solutions with Abel Archundia-Pineda, global head of IT at Bayer’s pharmaceuticals division, and Steffen Roellinger, senior vice-president of global development for portfolio and operations at the company’s pharmaceuticals research and development branch.
Check the small print: smart-labelling
Technology is transforming clinical trials, especially when it comes to packaging. The latest developments allow clinicians to fit huge amounts of information on their labels, even letting participants watch video updates and change the language of instructions. But with strict data protection laws, digitalising clinical trials is not easy. Andrea Valentino talks to David Dronneau, head of technology, innovation, process and solution at Sanofi, about these challenges, and how future trials could be cheaper for companies and safer for patients.
Battling contamination
Particle contamination can pose serious product quality issues and – in the event of a recall – damage the reputation of pharmaceutical companies. But what are the sources of contamination, and what strategies can be deployed to detect and control them? World Pharmaceutical Frontiers asks Erwin Freund, executive director for drug product engineering at Amgen.
Dispersion: advancing drug delivery
New developments in the formulation of amorphous solid dispersions are an important facet of advancing new drug delivery systems. World Pharmaceuticals Frontiers explores recent developments in this area, focusing on its four major market offerings.
The power of cannabinoids
Though medical marijuana has been available throughout the Western world for years, researchers are now examining the possibilities of using cannabis-based drugs to fight a range of diseases, including cancers and epilepsy. Andrea Valentino talks to Dr Ingo Michels, former head of office at the German Federal Drug Commission, about how the industry is advancing, and where it might go in future.
Forward together: CDMOs
Even small innovations from service providers can lead to big outcomes in pharma, but aligning motivations across the supply chain is a must. Dr Uwe Bücheler, Boehringer Ingelheim’s corporate senior vice-president, tells Kim Thomas how to ensure that all parties are working towards the same goals.
Needles: soon to be obsolete?
Needle manufacturers are embracing new polymers while an ageing population is driving the demand for safe prefilled syringes – but could pharma be on the verge of getting rid of needles entirely? Eleanor Wilson explores syringe safety innovations and new developments in needle-free technology.
The changing face of oral medicines
For the delivery of vaccines and allergens, the buccal and sublingual routes have been extensively investigated. Consequently, good knowledge of the immune cells distributed within the oral mucosal tissue has become increasingly important. World Pharmaceutical Frontiers highlights the current status of this drug delivery method, and explores the possibilities and limitations with regard to quality, safety and efficacy issues.
Out cold: developments in pharma cold chain
When transporting a drug or biological sample, it’s essential to maintain proper temperature control, with many of the newer drugs on the market requiring cold chain handling. With the plethora of packaging options available – how can pharma companies be sure they are making the right choices? Jorg Grigo, director of Grünenthal, talks with Abi Millar about the importance of packaging and how these new developments are changing the face of the pharma cold chain.
Securing the supply chain
David Brown, vice-president of technical operations at Alcresta Pharmaceuticals, talks to World Pharmaceutical Frontiers about the importance of securing reliable partners within the entire continuum of a project’s development, and the need to constantly evaluate your supplier network.