Content Provider for Newsweek
Glenn Hunzinger

Glenn Hunzinger

US Pharma and Life Sciences Leader
PwC
12 April 2024

What is your perspective on the impact of AI in the life sciences industry?

The life sciences industry is at a juncture where reinvention is not just beneficial but necessary, primarily due to underperformance compared to the broader market. The escalating costs of development, regulatory hurdles, and changing financial landscapes demand a shift towards more efficient and innovative operations. AI, including automation and analytics, plays a critical role in this transformation, particularly in streamlining processes like FDA submissions. This technology can not only accelerate procedures but also improve quality and cost-effectiveness, marking a significant step forward in the industry's evolution towards operating more effectively at lower costs.

What are the opportunities before AI fully integrates into the industry?

The integration of AI into life sciences is a gradual process, already underway, that focuses on enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Life sciences companies are already using AI to optimize processes across the value chain. Example use cases include everything from clinical study start-up and promotional content creation to managing deviations in manufacturing, which historically took weeks to resolve but can now be addressed much more swiftly.  The industry is also exploring innovative approaches to portfolio management and capital allocation, emphasizing the critical role of AI in transforming business operations.

How do metabolic disorders and their increasing awareness fit into current industry trends?

Metabolic disorderspose a significant challenge and opportunity for the sector, not only in the United States but globally. The focus on metabolic conditions has rapidly evolved, mirroring the trajectory of oncology over the past decade. As awareness and understanding grow, so does the potential for addressing these issues with novel treatments and devices. This shift underscores a broader industry trend towards tackling underlying health problems more proactively, leveraging technological advancements to inform and empower a wider population.

How do you envision the future of gene therapies and their impact on the industry and patients?

Gene therapies represent a paradigm shift in treating diseases, targeting conditions that were previously untreatable due to their complexity and the small patient populations affected. The precision and personalization of these treatments are set to increase, driven by advancements in technology that match therapies to individual patient profiles. The success of gene therapies lies not only in treating but in curing diseases, a revolutionary development that underscores the potential of personalized medicine to transform patient care.

In what ways could technology enhance the manufacturing of gene therapies?

The manufacturing of gene therapies presents unique challenges, given their complexity compared to traditional chemical compounds. Automation and technological innovations are crucial for streamlining production processes, making them more efficient and adaptable to the nuances of biologics. This technological intervention is essential for scaling up the production of gene therapies, ensuring they can be delivered more effectively to those in need.

Looking forward 10-15 years, what major trends do you anticipate will shape the life sciences industry?

In the future, the life sciences industry is likely to be significantly influenced by the increasing consumerism in healthcare.

The way individuals consume health information and utilize technology for personal health management is rapidly evolving. Wearables and other technologies will enable more proactive health management, moving away from reactive healthcare models. This shift towards personalized medicine, supported by technological advancements, will likely dominate discussions in the industry, focusing on prevention and early intervention rather than solely on treatment.