In this edition of Spoonful of Technology, discover the latest examples of how pharma and its partners are working together to develop technology to solve key challenges in the space
Words by Jade Williams
Marketing
Challenge: Leading the change in generative AI
Companies the world over are searching for the best ways to implement AI into their systems, and according to a new report from S&P Global, budgets will continue to be driven into this area.
The report projects that global budgets for AI in pharma will increase from just 1bn (USD) in 2022 to 22bn (USD) by 2027, clearly depicting how much growth is expected. But how can companies ensure these budgets are being spent wisely? For some, this has come in the form of new senior leadership appointments.
To drive this change forward for their own company, Eli Lilly and Company appointed Thomas J. Fuchs as its first Chief AI Officer, marking a significant move for AI integration in the life sciences sector. Fuchs will lead efforts to enhance drug discovery, clinical trials, manufacturing and patient access through advanced AI solutions, positioning Lilly at the forefront of data-driven healthcare.
“In this new era of technology,” remarked Diogo Rau, Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer, Eli Lilly, “the potential for artificial intelligence and machine learning to revolutionise health care is immense.” This appointment brings light to a growing trend in life sciences to place dedicated AI leaders in strategic roles, signifying the industry’s rapid shift towards more efficient, tech-enabled healthcare solutions.
Patients
Challenge: Launching a commercially viable patient application
PursueCare is tackling the challenge of launching digital therapeutic (DTX) apps for patients with addiction, reintroducing the FDA-approved apps RESET and RESET-O after acquiring them from Pear Therapeutics. These 12-week cognitive behavioural therapy apps—RESET for multiple substance use disorders and RESET-O for opioid addiction—guide patients in managing relapse triggers and have shown improved treatment retention and abstinence rates.
To overcome barriers that have previously limited DTx success—especially reimbursement and achieving patient access—PursueCare is integrating these apps into its telehealth mobile-first addiction programs across nine states in the US and plans to offer them to other healthcare providers. PursueCare’s approach focuses on reaching patients where they are, creating a scalable, patient-centric model for addiction care.
“At PursueCare, we are driven by the belief that everyone deserves accessible, high-quality care that meets them where they are and stays with them through their journey,” said Nick Mercadante, the Founder and CEO, PursueCare. “Digital therapeutics empower individuals to reclaim control over their health, advancing a new standard of care for chronic substance use disorder.”
Medical Affairs
Challenge: Engaging HCPs beyond the congress hall
As the number of healthcare professionals attending live congresses continues to decline – US HCPs now attend an average of only two in-person events per year – the challenge is clear: How can pharma adapt to reach HCPs after a congress? The solution may lie in the growing shift to on-demand digital content.
Medical affairs professionals are increasingly turning to online solutions to extend the reach of their congress content. This approach allows HCPs to access live sessions at their convenience, and this approach is rewarding for customers and companies alike.
In particular, the ability to add interactive features such as topic hotspots, branching and personalised learning pathways, enhances the way HCPs engage with on-demand material. Interactive video, now offered by EMJ, improves engagement and shows a 32% higher recall rate compared to standard video content, according to research by Vimeo.
