Will data and AI transform launch excellence?

In our cover story this month, Danny Buckland looks at how investing in data analytics and AI tools can lead to smarter clinical trials and faster, more informed decisions.

As Danny says: “The launch landscape is getting ever more complex and costly, but there are high expectations that innovative thinking and insightful strategies can be empowered and emboldened by data-driven technology and AI.

“The maths of a launch is sobering, with the latest Deloitte study, Measuring the Return from Pharmaceutical Innovation, reporting that the average cost of developing a drug has risen to $2.2bn in 2024, up from $2.1bn in 2023.

“Data and AI have established a clear value in research and drug discovery, but it is now time to focus on what they can do further along the commercial chain to reduce both risk and cost to promote return on investment.” Read more on page 26.

Also in this issue is an article looking at the impact of US tariffs on healthcare and life sciences multinationals, and the importance of ensuring business continuity across clinical, operational and commercial stages.

The authors from Baker McKenzie write: “As the life sciences industry grapples with the pressures of newly introduced ‘Most-Favored-Nation’ pricing requirements and evolving tariff structures, the industry faces mounting challenges that reverberate through pricing, access and supply chain management.

“The US and EU recently announced a 15% tariff ceiling on most imports, including pharmaceuticals (with exceptions for generics). [However], the US Section 232 national security investigation on imports of pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients is ongoing and may lead to higher tariffs in other regions.” Find out more on page 18.

Our next issue, in October 2025, will look at understanding the patient journey through stakeholder engagement to help improve patient pathways. If you would like to make your voice heard on this topic, please get in touch at sales@pmlive.com.

I hope you enjoy this issue!

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