Despite tremendous challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry, it continues with its commitment to innovation and the discovery of novel drugs to address unmet medical needs. Indeed, medicinal chemists face a challenge of their own. Trying to survive in a changing environment where pharma is focusing on biologics drug candidates will require chemists to adapt.

CHEManager International asked R&D experts of chemical and pharmaceutical companies to elaborate on their research strategy and share their opinion with our readers. In detail, we interviewed professionals ranging from CEOs to heads of R&D and process development about:

The crucial success factors in chemical and pharmaceutical research.

Dr. Alexander Biedermann: What we need is a multifunctional team of experts in medicine, science and economy! It is crucial to harmonize the different skills and expertise. I am convinced that a team can work most efficiently in a cross-functional way — a good collaboration of all team members with their special skills is the key to success.

“We place great value
on providing enough room
for free and creative thinking.”
Dr. Alexander Biedermann,
Vice President Medical,
AstraZeneca Germany

Challenges and changes affecting the work of R&D chemists in the future.

Dr. Alexander Biedermann: Furthermore we place great value on providing enough room for free and creative thinking. Researchers have to deal with different challenges, which require the ability to look at problems from different perspectives. In order to provide an efficient working atmosphere there must be room for creative approaches.