Time to think rare
Rare diseases are starting to gain the recognition they deserve but with thousands of conditions and small populations, what do patients need and how can pharma help?
PharmaTimes -
April 2016
As we are a pretty opinionated bunch here at PharmaTimes, we like it when contributors are prepared to stand up and express a viewpoint. For the past few months, our expanded SmartViews section has featured thought-leading articles on a wide range of topics - from patient-centricity and merger mania to drug pricing and product launch strategy - and this month is no exception.
In SmartViews, we offer articles on topics as diverse as the dangers of Brexit, a crisis in pharmacy, the impact of new EU clinical trial regulations and yet more threats to pharma's reputation.
Also in this issue, in Time to Think Rare, we continue our in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities in rare diseases, this month asking what patients need and how pharma can help.
Going 'beyond the pill' is a major trend in the industry yet many companies focus solely on digital innovation. In Outside the Box, we explore how the packaging and formulation of a medicine can boost sales - but only if you listen to patients first.
Translating great science into the next generation of life-changing medicines requires a leap of faith but pharma companies are getting a helping hand. In Care Package, we feature three organisations that are building early stage projects for pharma to take to market.
Hugh Gosling, Editor
April 2016 - magazine highlights
Outside the box
Going 'beyond the pill' is a major trend in pharma today, with companies seeking innovative approaches to engaging patients and driving growth. While much of the innovation comes from the digital space, there are other ways to create value for patients
Care package
Creating the next generation of life-changing medicines has always been pharma's greatest challenge, but with pipelines drying up many companies need a helping hand. We speak to three organisations doing just that – building early stage projects into packages that pharma can take to market
Loud and clear
For pharma companies brave enough to stick their head above the parapet in order to improve their reputations, the benefits far outweigh the risks
SmartViews: In Perfect Harmony
Although the new EU clinical trials regulation is not due to come into effect until late 2018, now is the time to get to grips with its implications, writes Dr Martine Dehlinger-Kremer.
SmartViews: Staying power
While opinion polls are evenly split in the 'Brexit' referendum, the life sciences industry seems firmly in the Remain camp – and for good reason, writes Ana Nicholls
SmartViews: Race to trace
The EU prescription medicine supply chain is changing radically as new requirements come into force and the Brexit vote looms. Mark Davison outlines the impact on the UK
SmartViews: The big leap?
The chasm between industry and academia is shrinking, with the UK fast becoming a powerhouse for cutting-edge global health research, writes Mark Samuels
SmartViews: Pharmacy in crisis
The UK Government's austerity eye has turned on community pharmacy, with ministers demanding funding cuts and improvements in service, but England's 11,000 pharmacies are fighting back
SmartPeople: Efficiency savings
As one of the most efficient markets in Europe, the UK's generic medicines sector saves the NHS billions of pounds each year – but how will it cope with the arrival of biosimilars and a government intent on austerity at any cost?
SmartPeople: Under the skin
Integrating patient insight into the business is a key element of LEO Pharma president and CEO Gitte Aabo's approach to helping people achieve healthy skin
Patient files: Prostate cancer
Ten years ago, Hugh Gunn was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and given 18-30 months to live. The Cancer Drugs Fund saved his life
