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technological issue. Globalization permits organizational streamlining, leading to decreased duplication of research and production facilities and a reduction in the number of personnel required. This needs to be achieved while retaining access to the best people, the best practices, and the best facilities, regardless of location. This focus can significantly shorten the length of clinical trials. For example, a trial at the most experienced center in the world may save expensive duplications. However, in most cases, companies must distribute resources because it is not acceptable to have local trials in one center and expect the results to be accepted globally. Furthermore, within the pharmaceutical industry, a global presence is not just desirable but is, in fact, essential. |
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Technology is breaking these barriers down through virtualization and interactive reach. The primary issue is not technical feasibility, but how can the cultural differences between the locations be overcome. |
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The driving force behind the development of virtual organizations, as with the drift towards globalization, is the need for more economic ways of working, thereby maximizing resources. Pharmaceutical companies are undergoing a focusing process, examining their portfolios and specifying the therapeutic areas in which to specialize. Companies are also beginning to concentrate on specific components of the drug development process and outsourcing other components where, as a means to control fixed costs, it makes more economic sense. An early example of this is the increased use of CROs (Clinical Research Organizations), whose efficiency and specialization make them a key asset for pharmaceutical companies. The logical conclusion of this development is the existence of wholly virtual projects where each part of the process can be outsourcedeven project management (independence at the project manager level may become vital to provide neutrality for resolving cultural battles). |
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In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has seen numerous acquisitions and mergers searching to extend the portfolio of products and services while continuing to focus on their own areas of specialization. When mergers or acquisitions occur, the organizations involved must become integrated and interactive as quickly as possible. |
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In addition, regulatory agencies are opening up, allowing ongoing, realtime reviews of data throughout the entire life cycle of a project. Already occurring, to a limited extent, for high priority drugs, this could expand to cover all drugs in development. Obviously, this will not work without changes |
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