This year's report highlights a shift in focus from psychedelics to AI, which is expected to have an imminent impact on the pharmaceutical industry over the next five years. The CPHI report also discusses changes in the pharmaceutical supply chain, the rise of biotechnology hubs, and shifts in the locations of R&D centers. Key topics include AI, sustainability, bioprocessing, cell and gene therapies, LNPs, and the pharmaceutical market in Spain.

Artificial Intelligence 

AI, a longstanding presence in tech and pharma, is gaining investor attention, with 24.85% of VCs expressing interest. It's set to accelerate drug discovery and foster big tech-pharma partnerships, with significant revenue potential. AI also promises patient-centric benefits in cell and gene therapies and clinical trials, making it attractive to pharmaceutical companies.

Bikash Chatterjee, President and Chief Science Officer of Pharmatech Associates, a USP Company, stated: “A recent study estimated that global GDP could be up 14% higher in 2030 as a result of AI – the equivalent of an additional $15.7 trillion – making it the biggest commercial opportunity in today’s economy.”

Sustainability

In every industry, sustainability is being reconsidered. Pharma, with its significant historical environmental impact, now places a high value on supply chain transparency to find more eco-friendly processes. This shift is not just a moral imperative but also an economic one, with companies saving money by improving production, reducing waste, and enhancing distribution while benefiting the planet.

Spain Pharma Market

Surveyed executives highlight Spain, especially Barcelona, as a rising player in biotech startups. Spain is also making strides in API and biologics manufacturing, positioning itself for future growth and partnerships.

Raul Martin, Partner at Ysios Capital comments on some of the new activity coming out of Spain: “The historical strength of the country is around small molecules. However, a number of companies have been created around more ‘sophisticated’ modalities including antibodies, cell therapy for regenerative medicine and oncology, gene therapy, RNA therapeutics, oncolytic virus. However, there are also now some initiatives to foster advanced therapies, but they are still too incipient to know if they will consolidate and become a driving force for the sector.”

For more details on the all of the fields covered by the survey and in depth analyses of our expert insights, make sure to download the full annual report here.