Deep Dive: Research and Development 2022

It’s no secret that the life science industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. Fuelled by an influx of advanced technologies and computing capabilities, scientists are slowly unlocking secrets to treating a wide array of conditions and expanding our understanding of biology.

With so much potential on the cusp of being realised, it’s an exciting time to be working in life science R&D. In this issue of Deep Dive, we find out how a global pandemic became a catalyst for change in life sciences – pushing scientists to explore agile new ways of conducting vital research while the rest of the world slowed to a halt.

For the 300 million people around the world living with rare diseases, innovation in R&D is a welcome change. Rare disease communities are some of the most passionate and informed patient populations, yet they have long been an underutilised resource when it comes to developing new treatments. But, as AXON’s Dr Emma Lemon and experts from IQVIA discuss, changing attitudes in the R&D space alongside improvements in medical informatics are a sign that a more patient-focused approach is on the horizon.

As we enter the third year of COVID-19, it is clear that there is no going back to the pre-pandemic ways of working. Reimagining a global industry is no small feat, but what is certain is that the groundwork laid in the R&D space now will determine outcomes for the next generation. For now, at least, recent progress hints at a bright future.

I hope you are staying safe.

Eloise

Eloise McLennan – editor, Deep Dive