The computational disease model developer CytoReason has announced that it has entered into a multi-year partnership with Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) that is potentially worth $110 million over the next five years. In the recent partnership, Pfizer will make a $20 million equity investment in CytoReason. The company will also obtain options to license platform and disease models from…
How biologists of the future could displace some data scientists in drug development
A decade ago, data scientist seemed like the sexiest job of the 21st century, to paraphrase an influential Harvard Business Review article. In the pharmaceutical industry, data science certainly continues to have tremendous potential, but in years to come, data-savvy biologists could have as least as much of an impact on drug development as data scientists,…
Why Big Pharma is partnering with startups as it becomes more data-driven
Big Pharma’s ability to innovate has grown in recent years, and the industry’s increasing reliance on data could help it sustain momentum in the future. While McKinsey notes that the industry has been relatively slow in adopting technologies such as AI and automation, the industry is growing more tech-savvy. “The acceptance of data is picking up across…
When can computer models replace animal trials?
The pandemic has forced a rethink of clinical research, but the pharma industry continues to rely on animal testing. While pundits have observed that computer modeling and techniques such as microdosing can reduce animal testing, animal testing continues to be integral in preclinical studies. But computer models are now sufficiently accurate to predict many drugs’ response, said…