The last decade brought some fantastic technological advances that propelled our society towards a better future. Many lives were changed and improved by the impact those innovations had on the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
With the help of new technology, drugmakers like Scorpion Bio have been designing therapies to help treat thousands of illnesses. Viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C were once deadly. Now, they’re managed with drug therapies.
The rate of advancement is skyrocketing, and discoveries and treatments develop every day. We’re catapulting towards a not-too-distant future of AI pharmaceuticals, 3D printed medicine, and patient-driven design. What may seem unfamiliar and intimidating now will be commonplace and life-saving just years from now.
Here’s a short breakdown of what to expect from the pharmacy industry in the following years.
Artificial Intelligence Designing Drugs
AI technologies are already testing many products and services across nearly every industry. You could say the machines are taking over. Well, they’ve made their way to the medical field.
AI computers are in the beginning stages of designing drugs and vaccines. They are capable of executing the mass research and complex algorithms involved in creating pharmaceuticals.
Machines complete projects that normally take humans months and years in just days.
Machines will soon manage full-service laboratories. Imagine a robotic arm transporting test tubes between bio fridges, which American Biotech Supply mentions is a delicate task; that’s the future.
AI is also expected to conduct their own clinical trials soon. They’ll select participants, administer the trials, and compile the results.
In silico medical treatments are currently in trial stages, but they’re expected to become utilized by pharmacy companies soon. These trials involve building and testing drugs in a completely virtual setting. AI simulates organs and medications, then studies and records the effects.
3D Printing Vaccines and Medications
We’re currently printing clothes and cars in the 2020s. Surely, we’ll be 3D printing medicine sometime soon. Scientists have been developing new ways to manufacture drugs at higher rates for lower costs. 3D printing of medicine, prosthetics, and casts are expected to become more popular in the coming years. 3D printing is a reliable way to increase production for common medical necessities.
Patient-Driven Design
If you’ve never heard of DIY medicine, you’re not alone. The last few years have seen an increase in patient support and proactivity.
Patients have spent decades feeling unseen and unheard by drug companies. Now, they’re reclaiming their power and taking their own course of action to improve their health.
Ailments like diabetes and psoriasis have inspired people to develop their own theories and treatments aside from doctor-prescribed orders. Healthcare providers have taken notice.
Some states are establishing Patient Inclusion Boards or Patient Advocacy Boards. These organizations will prevent patients from taking the problem into their own hands. Doing so could potentially harm themselves or others. Many pharmacy companies are following suit and enlisting the help of patients in order to provide better service and better medication.
The Pharmacy Industry a Few Years From Now
The future is bright. Welcome new advancements with open arms. With more technology, more lives are saved. In the next few years, we can see a tendency toward AI designing drugs, 3D printing of medical essentials, and more patient-driven design.