The “modern” pharmaceutical industry has been providing life-saving medicines for over 160 years. Small molecule drugs were the only option for the vast bulk of that period, with the production of biologics, as we think of them today, having begun just three decades or so ago. In that short period of time, however, biopharmaceuticals have had a tremendous impact on both the pharma industry and the lives of countless patients. 

And biologics continue to generate lots of excitement. With the value of the market estimated to be greater than $200 billion and growing annually at 10% or more, it is no wonder Big Pharma is investing heavily. Outsourcing by small and emerging pharma companies who often initiate the development of novel biologics is also on the rise. It’s no wonder venture capital funds are taking an active role in the market too.

Next-generation biopharmaceuticals in development show significant potential to treat cancer and autoimmune, nervous system and other chronic diseases — an entire new path for the industry. The biologics journey is also expanding as many first-generation blockbuster drugs come off patent. New roads to biosimilars and biobetters are being explored at an increasing rate, with growing approvals.

That’s Nice salutes the pharmaceutical companies and individuals that work tirelessly to bring to fruition safe, effective breakthrough therapies that address unmet patient needs. We have been supporting the efforts of leading pharma and biopharma clients for over two decades and recognize the challenges that must be overcome in order to identify and develop the next biospecific antibody or cell therapy with the potential to save lives.

In fact, we are celebrating the biopharmaceutical industry with a challenge of our own — departing from our offices in New York City and traveling from Boston, Massachusetts to the 2017 BIO International Convention held in San Diego, California, June 19-22. We are crossing the nation in just twelve days in a glittery two-seat Lamborghini Aventador Roadster. Along the way we will be visiting companies that have made exciting discoveries and translated them into some of the industry’s most significant breakthroughs.

In this issue of Pharma’s Almanac you will find valuable insights on overcoming many of the challenges facing the bio/pharmaceutical industry — from using human models for drug discovery to process analytical technology, technology transfer and serialization — plus Nice Insight articles on the current state of the biopharmaceutical market.
We hope you enjoy this seventh jam-packed issue!