In a recent conversation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting, Dr. John Whyte, Chief Medical Officer at WebMD, sat down with Elcin Barker Ergun, President and CEO of Menarini Group, to discuss the exciting advancements in drug development that are shaping the future of medicine.
The Evolution of Drug Development
Elcin Barker Ergun highlights the ongoing renaissance in drug development, with a focus on innovative technologies such as diagnostics, biomarker drugs, AI, ADCs, and cell and gene therapy. These advancements offer new hope for patients with difficult-to-treat mutations, paving the way for more targeted and effective treatments.
The Role of AI in Drug Discovery
While AI is accelerating drug discovery processes, Elcin emphasizes the importance of combining generative AI with traditional validation methods to ensure the development of high-quality lead assets. Regulatory bodies in the US and Europe are also ramping up efforts to streamline the integration of AI in drug development.
Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance
Elcin expresses concern over the slow progress in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the lack of incentives for bringing new drugs to market. The looming threat of AMR highlights the urgent need for increased investment and policy changes to combat this global health crisis.
Renewed Focus on Cardiovascular Research
Elcin discusses the resurgence of interest in cardiovascular research, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to tackle high mortality rates in this space. With a growing number of companies investing in cardiovascular research, the future holds promising advancements in this critical area of healthcare.
A Holistic Approach to Future Medicine
Elcin's long-term perspective on drug development reflects a holistic approach that considers the unmet needs of patients and the evolving landscape of healthcare. By combining engineering, finance, and innovation, Elcin advocates for collaborative efforts to address the diverse challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry.
As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve and embrace new technologies, the future of medicine holds tremendous promise for patients worldwide.