Interview: Phastar's Graham Clark on how AI and data are really shaping the pharma landscape
Clark highlights several key trends and advancements shaping the industry today.
The explosion of data and complexity
Clark opens the discussion by pointing out the unprecedented growth in data volume and complexity in clinical trials. "There's a significant explosion in the amount of data coming out," he notes, emphasizing that this data influx comes from various sources, including novel therapies, new devices, and wearables like Apple Watches. This surge presents a dual challenge: managing the complexity and meeting the increasing demand for faster turnaround times. Clark explains, "The pharma companies are in a hurry to get through what they need to get done," driven by looming patent cliffs and competitive pressures.
Balancing humans and AI
The conversation then shifts to the critical balance between human expertise and AI in managing this data. Clark argues for a hybrid approach: "How the industry transitions away from dependence on purely people and brings them into a hybrid digital, human capital way of delivering is going to be very interesting." He envisions a future where hybrid skill sets become crucial, combining traditional roles with the ability to engage with digital tools and data models.
The conservative nature of the industry
Despite the rapid advancements, Clark acknowledges the conservative nature of the pharmaceutical industry. "It's a business that's there to protect people's lives... you can't just railroad over that," he asserts. However, he is optimistic about a gradual and cautious integration of AI and automation, emphasizing that any digital solution must be at least as good as, if not better than, the manual processes it replaces.
Data privacy and security
Addressing concerns about data privacy, Clark reassures that existing processes to protect patient data will scale to meet the new challenges. "We’ve got more data about patients now... The challenge is just the fact that previously you might have been doing that on one or two systems, and now you're trying to do it on six or seven," he says, highlighting the increased burden of managing this data securely.
Advancements in clinical trial management
Clark proudly discusses Phastar's recent innovations, particularly the Clinical Intelligence Portal. "We've built out a portal with half a dozen apps that enable people to engage with complex systems more intuitively," he explains. This tool allows real-time data analysis and decision-making, making clinical trials more efficient. Clark emphasizes, "If they're able to engage with that data and see things in real time, we are able to speed up their decision-making processes."
Collaboration and real-time data exchange
Phastar's collaboration with Beaconcure exemplifies their commitment to innovation. "We announced a partnership with Beaconcure to improve the collaboration process with our clients," Clark shares. This partnership aims to facilitate real-time data exchange and reduce the iterative review cycles, thereby speeding up the clinical trial process.
Future of data visualization
Looking ahead, Clark sees data visualization as a game-changer for clinical trials. By providing configurable applications tailored to client needs, Phastar aims to democratize data access and streamline decision-making processes. "You can tailor the reporting to the situation you're in," he notes, which can significantly impact the speed and efficiency of clinical trials. By leveraging data, AI, and innovative tools, they aim to enhance efficiency, ensure data security, and ultimately drive better outcomes in the pharmaceutical industry. As Clark succinctly puts it, "Every little thing that we can do to help compress that research and development lifecycle is what we're very interested in."
Embracing data visualization and automation
In tday's rapidly evolving tech landscape, data visualization and automation are becoming essential components of operational efficiency. "Today, data visualization... is due to the different ways we have of
automating some of our other core processes as well," Clark states, emphasizing the seamless integration of data visualization tools with automated systems. This synergy is particularly crucial for customers who seek the speed and efficiency of database lock to submission, especially in multi-jurisdictional trials.
"Ultimately, what customers are looking for is the speed of database lock to submission," Clark continues, highlighting the necessity for rapid processing of global data subsets, such as those specific to regions like Asia Pacific. "How quickly can you turn the Asia Pacific subset around after you've done the global data?" he poses, underscoring the demand for swift, accurate data handling in diverse geographical contexts.
Role of artificial intelligence in pharma
Clark also touches on the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry, particularly in balancing AI with human insight. "I don't see challenges per se," he notes, acknowledging the historical apprehension towards technological advancements. He draws parallels with past innovations that initially faced resistance but ultimately transformed workflows without entirely replacing human roles. "The hybrid worker is going to be really important," Clark asserts, envisioning a future where individuals possess a versatile skill set, blending core expertise with proficiency in various technologies.
Moreover, Clark emphasizes the importance of finding the right use cases for AI in this conservative industry. "We're not going to be able to steam in and say, right, let's tear up 60% of your processes," he cautions. Instead, the approach involves identifying specific pain points, testing solutions in confined environments, and gradually broadening adoption as comfort with these technologies grows. "You'll broaden out adoption of those use cases... people involved will start to move across into a sort of a hybrid type of skill set," Clark predicts.
Biotech sector: Cost-effective and flexible solutions
When discussing the biotech sector, Clark highlights the pressing need for cost-effective, flexible solutions, especially given the financial challenges biotechs have faced in recent years. "Biotechs largely need to find the most cost-effective way of getting their treatment to the next milestone," he explains. This involves meticulous trial design and robust data science capabilities to achieve milestones without compromising on quality or safety.
Clark further elaborates on the necessity of innovation in biotech outsourcing partnerships. "A well-designed and cost-effective solution means you've got this Venn diagram now of service and innovation," he describes. This intersection is crucial for delivering high-quality services while leveraging the latest technological advancements. Flexibility and adaptability are key, as biotechs often require customized approaches to meet their unique needs.
Strategic partnerships
Partnerships play a pivotal role in this ecosystem, according to Clark. "We're always looking at two different angles," he says, referring to the dual approach of integrating external capabilities into their processes and offering their expertise to complement others' business models. This collaborative mindset is integral to their strategic vision, enhancing value for customers and streamlining operations.
Future workforce implications
Looking ahead, Clark addresses the broader implications of AI on the workforce. Drawing on historical examples, he reflects on how technological advancements have shifted skill sets rather than eliminating jobs. "The skill set doesn't change. All that's changed is instead of using a diary and a pen, they now use Outlook," he analogizes, suggesting that AI will similarly transform rather than replace roles. He remains optimistic about the future, believing that AI will create new opportunities and reshape existing ones.
Conclusion
Graham Clark's insights offer a comprehensive view of how data visualization, automation, and AI are redefining industry standards. By balancing technological innovation with human expertise, businesses can navigate the complexities of modern operations and deliver exceptional value to their customers.
