PDA Letter Article

Digitization Advancing in the Near Future

by Toni Manzano, Aison

Diabetes affects 1 in 10 adults aged 20-79, totaling 537 million individuals. Projections estimate a rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045, and they are suffering from the pain of taking care of the level of glucose in their bodies every day.

Around 50 years ago, during the early 1970s, the standard needle gauge for insulin syringes was typically more significant than what is commonly used today. Needles were often between 18 (approximately 1.27 mm in diameter) and 27 gauge (approximately 0.41 mm in diameter). The length of needles used for insulin syringes typically ranged from ½ inch (about 12.7 mm) to 1 inch (about 25.4 mm). Nowadays, automated insulin delivery patch pumps exemplify the synergy between digitalization and diabetes care. These innovative devices leverage continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data, transforming how insulin is delivered. The pump's algorithm calculates and administers precise insulin doses through real-time glucose readings, providing a dynamic and automated response to fluctuating blood sugar levels. The digital interface enables users to monitor and adjust settings conveniently, fostering a more personalized and user-friendly approach to diabetes management. By harnessing the power of digital technology, automated insulin delivery patch pumps offer individuals with diabetes a seamless, proactive and technologically advanced solution for maintaining optimal glucose control.

This is just one example of how digitalization benefits patients' well-being, but there are many cases where digital advances are improving people's lives in healthcare. PDA identifies the correct digitalization in drug manufacturing processes as a crucial tool to increase the value of the drugs' application in society, which is why on June 4-5, the PDA will be hosting the 2024 PDA Good Digitalization in Pharma Conference, formerly known as the PDA Robotics and Automation Conference.

A robotic humanoid looking through an electronic microscope in a lab with a human tech nearbyArtificial intelligence is probably the greatest exponent of current digitalization. In order to obtain efficient and accurate results at an industrial level derived from calculations carried out by algorithms, electronic records, power computing and data processing are necessary. On large scales, it is impossible to work on paper or with spreadsheets, and it is essential to have a digital system for the comprehensive management of information, from the capture of primary data to the consumption of the derived results generated by artificial intelligence mechanisms. The complexity and variability of manufacturing processes in the pharmaceutical industry form the perfect scenario for intelligent technology to provide the necessary feedback to achieve perfect product batches in each iteration.

That is why the 2024 PDA Good Digitalization in Pharma Conference includes, as an extension of the event, the first 2024 PDA Artificial Intelligence in Pharma Workshop on June 6. This practical workshop has been designed, with presentations led by the magnates of digitalization and a practical session where the audience can experiment by creating artificial intelligence models and reflecting on their implications in the regulatory field. This is a unique event in which the audience and speakers build the content of the workshop as they progress in the implementation of a practical framework.

PDA has always promoted progress and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, and this conference is another example of continuous support from applied science and technology. Embracing good digitalization practices in the pharmaceutical industry is imperative for achieving enhanced efficiency, productivity and regulatory compliance.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers can revolutionize their manufacturing processes and drive continual improvement by harnessing the power of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, electronic records and data processing. Digitalization enables real-time monitoring, predictive analytics and agile decision-making, resulting in optimized production processes and superior product quality. Moreover, a digitalized approach streamlines regulatory compliance efforts, ensuring adherence to stringent standards while facilitating seamless audits and inspections. As the industry evolves, innovation and digitalization are paramount to staying competitive and meeting the evolving needs of patients and regulatory bodies. Therefore, PDA encourages the industry to embrace digital transformation and embark on the journey toward a future of excellence in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

We invite you to join us at the 2024 PDA Good Digitalization in Pharma Conference and the 2024 PDA Artificial Intelligence in Pharma Workshop to be part of this groundbreaking event shaping the pharmaceutical industry's future. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from industry leaders, engage in practical sessions and explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in regulatory compliance. Register now to secure your spot and be at the forefront of innovation and progress in pharmaceutical digitalization.

We look forward to seeing you there!