​In the middle of a recession, Nostrapharmus argues that collaboration must continue to grow

In the midst of a global recession, with innovation appearing to be increasingly difficult, and with many unmet patient needs in the world, surely the only way to ensure future success is to get the best out of our individual and collective strengths?  In an industry that is so competitive, and with no shortage of tales of adversarial behaviour amongst the players, what chances are there that those involved will change their game?  Well, the tide has been turning steadily for quite some time now; there are many good reasons to accelerate change...and no shortage of those who look to the past to justify 'no change!'

Who are we talking about?

We're talking about pharmaceutical companies, large and small, health providers, the medical community, patient groups, regulators, health funds and more.  it is not difficult to find examples of these groups working together both within their own communities and across communities.  Fundamental to continued and future success will be the ability to get the best out of all parties to deliver individual and collective objects.  

Needs-driven collaboration

Necessity and pack mentality alike have inspired, driven, and perpetuated collaboration in this industry.  Times of regulatory change have led to industry associations going into a higher gear and standing as a united single body of commercial organisations to resist the scope and pace of changes enacted through the history of this industry.  Crisis situations can teach us so much about the power of combining forces to conquer a common enemy.  There are many examples; in a recent collaboration, for instance, Pfizer has team up with Mylan and the Clinton Foundation to cut the cost of medication for patients with drug resistant HIV in developing countries.  Collaboration is facilitating access to life saving treatment to those that would not have received it. 

To read the article in full, please click on the pdf link below:

Needs + Opportunity = Collaboration.pdf

or to read the magazine, follow the link below, the article can be found on page 74

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/141d4023#/141d4023/74

About Pharma Magazine

Aimed at the international pharmaceutical and bio-pharmaceutical community, Pharma magazine covers every aspect of manufacturing from R&D to finished product. With a worldwide circulation of more than 40,000 individuals, it is the first truly global magazine for the pharma industry, bringing together the disciplines of discovery and development, the drug manufacturing process and the resultant business and management issues. For further information visit the Pharma website at www.pharma-mag.com