Inflection Point: Transforming Today’s Labs for the Future

Matt Studney, from Merck’s Research Laboratories Information Technology discusses AI's growing role in pharma and the need for responsible implementation to enhance health outcomes.

Explore how Genentech’s digital cell and gene therapy innovation scales life-saving treatments. From virtual journeys to secure supply chains, learn about the tech and collaborations bringing new therapies safely to patients worldwide.

Just like the life sciences industry, the Driving Digital in Biopharma series has evolved. In each episode, we'll explore the way the industry is being reimagined and reinvented. If you're passionate about the future of medicines and medical technologies, improving patient outcomes and pushing the limits of innovation, The Lens is your essential listen. 

In this insightful episode of Driving Digital in Biopharma, host Tom Lehmann explores with Áine Hanly, Chief Technology Officer at Vir Biotechnology, the transformative role of data and technology in drug development and manufacturing. Áine delves into the advancements in data accessibility and automation, such as single-cell manipulation and high throughput processes, which have notably shortened cycle times and boosted efficiency. She also discusses the innovative use of the Vir AI tool Daisy for antibody design and optimization, which speeds up the process and enhances manufacturability. The episode wraps up by highlighting the critical importance of a robust data strategy and the power of cross-functional partnerships in fostering innovation and operational efficiency across the biopharma industry.

This episode of Driving Digital in Biopharma offers a peek into the digital revolution brewing in the biopharma labs, courtesy of Richard Milne, the Vice-president and general manager of Digital Science Solutions at Thermo Fisher Scientific. From e-commerce roots to pioneering digital science, Richard and Tom delve into the vision for laboratories, and the integration of artificial intelligence and automation in scientific research and lab operations. Their conversation highlights the critical role of digital strategies in enhancing productivity and accelerating scientific advancements. Richard also gives his insights on the future potential of automation and robotics in laboratories, alongside the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in revolutionizing the drug discovery process.

In this episode of "Driving Digital in Biopharma," host Tom Lehmann welcomes Morrey Atkinson, the Chief Technology and Operations Officer at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. With a rich background in process development and manufacturing within the pharmaceutical industry, Morrey shares his insights on Vertex's strategic evolution and its commitment to serial innovation through substantial investments in R&D. They discuss the company’s modality-agnostic approach, which allows flexibility in tackling various diseases, as well as covering the strategic use of contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) to optimize Vertex's global manufacturing footprint, ensuring rapid and reliable delivery of therapies to patients worldwide.  Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how Vertex Pharmaceuticals leverages digital innovation to maintain its leadership in drug development and manufacturing, setting new standards in the biopharma industry. 

In this episode of the Driving Digital in Biopharma podcast, Samer Ansari, Head of Data, Digital, and Technology at Takeda Oncology, joins Tom Lehmann, Global Head of Accenture Life Sciences R&D, to discuss the role of digital in creating exceptional HCP and patient experiences. Through their shared passion for data and tech and the importance of using it to positively change not only the Life Sciences industry but also the lives of our loved ones, Samer and Tom explore how Takeda is leveraging data to create a meaningful impact on patients’ experiences. We glimpse into the actions Samer and his team are taking around the globe, discuss how their organizational structure and innovation mindset create the opportunity for agility, and explore real-life applications of technology to improve patient outcomes. Samer emphasizes the need to balance investment choices with business expectations and ultimately showcase the impact of those investments, while always keeping the patient at heart. 

In this episode of Driving Digital in Biopharma, Accenture host, Tom Lehmann, speaks to Chris Braithwaite, Global Head of Drug Development, Digital and IT Novartis. Achieving digital transformation requires a delicate balance between traditional methods, rapidly emerging technology, and human decision-making. Chris encourages a shift in perspective and a focus on change management, emphasizing that working in a human+machine mode does not entail eliminating human roles. Instead, it involves developing comfort and knowledge regarding data and technology to enhance human potential and increase role effectiveness. By embracing digital tools and leveraging data, organizations can empower themselves to make informed decisions, drive adoption, and ultimately improve patient care.

In this episode of Driving Digital in Biopharma, Accenture host, Tom Lehmann, talks with Michel Rider, VP Digital, Analytics and Performance at GSK. Michel reflects on their multi-year quest to modernize digital, data, and analytics capabilities across Development – sharing insights for achieving near-term wins while planning for the future. There is a sense of urgency for patients seeking better, faster treatments. And this is a non-linear endeavor – iteration and evolution are a given. A compressed transformation approach combined with agile experimentation can deliver tangible benefits quickly and establish a foundation for future growth.

In this episode of Driving Digital in Biopharma, host Tom Lehmann talks with Jason Bronfeld, Head of Product Development IT at Bristol-Myers Squibb, about the industry re-perceiving itself and capitalizing on the power of digital.  When it comes to evolving ways of operating to an ever-better model for the future, a mindset shift is essential – digital is a means and not the end. The biopharma industry is viewed as knowledge-generating enterprises, and while ever-growing amounts of data present complex challenges, a strong digital core will fuel competitive advantages.