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. Bernhard J. Paul: ŒHaving access to a broad range of specialist technologies is becoming increasingly important as researchers develop larger and more complex molecules. For example, being able to use different technologies, such as chemocatalysis and biocatalysis, is particularly valuable for solving complex chemistry problems. Another crucial factor is collaboration. Our customers face complicated problems and we often find a better solution can be provided through collaboration between our different departments. Collaboration is a core principle throughout Johnson Matthey. For example, we have a technology center in Sonning Common in Reading, UK, with capabilities in materials characterization, and this provides an additional resource for our Fine Chemicals Division when dealing with unusual solid form characterization problems.

“Speed and innovation will be
gained from embracing collaboration
across different areas of the business.”

Dr. Bernhard J. Paul,
General Manager,
European Pharma Solutions,
Johnson Matthey

The role of information technology tools in developing reaction routes and processes.

Dr. Bernhard J. Paul: Having more long-term information management for emerging technologies will certainly change the way that we think and work. We use tools today such as statistical design of experiments — DOE — to optimize reactions, and certain technologies, such as continuous processing, that rely heavily on software control for maximal effectiveness. In biocatalysis, our enzyme evolution and optimization capabilities would not be possible without computational tools to design and predict new enzymes. Software tools are vital for much of what we do today and they will play an even bigger role in the future.

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

Dr. Bernhard J. Paul: The biggest challenge affecting the work of R&D chemists relates to the industry’s ongoing need to develop more molecules, more quickly, resulting in shorter timelines and greater pressure for R&D teams. The traditional blockbuster drug model no longer works for many molecules, so pharmaceutical companies are looking for different ways to deliver benefits to patients while also delivering profits. R&D scientists will have to be very flexible as well as nimble. Furthermore, today’s complex problems do not often fit into a single department, so great advantages for speed and innovation will be gained from embracing collaboration across different areas of the business.