PharmaTimes -
September 2021

With social distancing restrictions easing in the UK, it has never been more important to evaluate the ongoing and expected changes arising from the global pandemic. Bearing that in mind, the effects of COVID-19 will continue to impact the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors in various ways as we move into autumn.

In this issue, Martin Price takes a look at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care while outlining the key learnings from the past 18 months (p16).

Our cover feature, from Matthew W Reynolds, explores how researchers should reflect on the impact of COVID-19 on real-world data and evaluate if pre-pandemic processes are still fit-for-purpose (p31).

Meanwhile, Alf Goebel considers what the pharmaceutical sector needs to do to ensure it is fit for digital purpose, as digitalisation is set to be at the centre of helping companies face growing challenges (p26).

A quick reminder that entry for the 2021 PharmaTimes Marketer of the Year, Communications Awards and Sales Awards is closing on 10th September – don’t miss out on your chance to be recognised! For more information visit www.pharmatimes.com/competitions

Finally, I’m very pleased to take on the role of editor of PharmaTimes – assuming the lead on the magazine is exciting on many levels. I’m eager to continue delivering high-quality news, interviews, features and analysis on the crucial issues facing the pharma and healthcare sectors in the UK.

I hope you enjoy this issue!

September 2021 - magazine highlights

Digital catch up

Alf Goebel looks at what the pharmaceutical sector needs to do to ensure it is fit for digital purpose and takes its place at the top of the digital maturity rankings rather than hiding away at the bottom

Controlling the MedTech explosion

The global medical device market is booming and on course to be worth $613 billion by 2025. To manage the inevitable increase in associated regulatory requirements, MedTech manufacturers need to adopt a more joined-up and better co-ordinated means of refining technical content, and loop market feedback into product life cycle and labelling management. Barbara Peralta explores what this will involve

Martech or mindset?

How pharma can bridge the digital skills gap

Epilepsy and inclusion in society

Why are 66% of people living with epilepsy out of work?

Patient file: Parkinson’s Disease

David was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 48. He talks to PharmaTimes about his experiences with this degenerative, neurological condition

Are you ready to dive into a new era for medicines funding?

With crucial changes to funding models and new formulary arrangements emerging at system and place levels, Oli Hudson shares the latest intelligence on how the drug funding landscape will be affected by reforms, and how industry must adapt accordingly