The use of data science in pharmaceutical companies has far-reaching implications for those deciding upon a degree in this type of field. The pharmaceutical industry constantly makes use of important statistical information gathered from a wide variety of sources. Data science is used in the analysis of electronic medical records and clinical research. Data analysis strategies are used throughout the drug discovery and drug development process. Some data scientists support data analysis projects or work with electronic health records. Job responsibilities are diverse, making this an exciting career choice.
What is data science? How is data science used in the field of pharmaceuticals and other similar areas? How could a degree in data science enhance your career working with pharma data analytics? The paragraphs that follow will answer all your questions.
What is Data Science?
Data science is a growing field in which many of today’s students are developing an interest. Data science is an interdisciplinary field of study. It focuses on scientific methods used in gathering, analyzing, and applying data and statistics. Data science is a unique field because it brings together many different types of areas of study to accomplish a goal. These areas include:
- computer science
- data analytics
- machine learning
- statistics
As a result, a degree in data science opens up an almost limitless array of job opportunities in all sorts of different sectors that rely on this expertise.
How is Data Science Used in Big Pharma?
The pharmaceutical industry is an area that is seeing constant expansion. As more technologically advanced prescription medications are brought into existence, the need for professionals who can understand and make use of related data and statistics has also seen a huge increase. How is data science used by pharmaceutical companies? Let’s consider some of the many types of data required in this field on a daily basis.
Data Usage in the Pharmaceutical Industry
The statistics below indicate how often and to what degree data science and similar information is used in the creation of new drug therapies within the pharmaceutical industry.
- It takes approximately 8 years for a new drug to be approved by the FDA.
- Each new drug approved costs an average of $500 million dollars.
- One out of approximately 10,000 compounds discovered makes it to the approval stage.
- Only three out of 20 new drug therapies make enough profit to cover the losses experienced when the drug is undergoing testing.
These facts are merely a demonstration of the different areas where statistical information is gathered, studied, and then put to use within the pharmaceutical industry to further expand upon the medical treatments we have to offer patients today.
Collaboration between Big Pharma and Big Data
In times past, there was a bit of a discrepancy in making use of big data to further advance the development of new pharmaceutical drugs and other medical therapies. However, in recent years it has become clearer how dependent these two fields are on one another. This has led to an increased push toward the marriage of these two exciting fields. Whereas drug manufacturing companies used to heavily guard their privacy, they now understand how the use of big data can boost their success. Everyone from academic collaborators to healthcare professionals and patients themselves is continuing to push for big data and big pharma to work together toward increased productivity and success for both.
Using Predictive Analytics Models in Pharma
The use of predictive models has grown drastically in recent times. There is a mass appeal in being able to use current data to reliably predict future trends and outcomes, therefore offering the ability to be able to cater to future demands before they even arise.
Much of the money spent by pharmaceutical companies is used in the screening process before the drug even makes it to the clinical trial stage. This ends up becoming a lengthy and expensive process, while sick individuals are waiting for new drugs to be approved that could benefit their condition.
Now, data science is being used to shorten this previously lengthy process of drug discovery and development and hopefully lower the expense involved as well. Using predictive analytics, companies can put primary focus on specific products and ingredients in drug therapies most likely to be effective. These decisions will be based on a variety of gathered data that will help them choose among the hundreds of options available.
Data Science for Better Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are one of the most frustrating parts of getting a new drug approved. Clinical trials can drag on for extended periods and are expensive, but necessary, to fulfill. Theoretically, data science holds the key to the technology needed to shorten this process and make it more cost-effective as well. Here are several ways a data scientist can make this possible.
-
Selecting Patients
Now companies can use a variety of data gathered from various sources to choose appropriate patients to take part in their clinical trials. This information can come from social media, genetic testing profiles, and public health databases.
-
Monitoring Progress in Real-Time
Great care must be taken to monitor every step through the entire course of a clinical trial. Patient outcomes have to be carefully monitored. The actual policies and procedures outlined in the way the clinical trial is handled must also followed precisely. Improved technologies in the field of data science can make all of this easier.
-
Increase Drug Safety and Reduce Serious Side Effects
Of course, a huge concern with any clinical trial is the safety of the participants. Researchers need to monitor patients for serious drug-related side effects. New technologies used by data scientists may eventually be able to alert researchers to a variety of important elements before issues even come up. These include:
- potential drug side effects
- interactions
- contraindications
This valuable pharmaceutical data can prevent countless serious side effects or even fatalities during the testing phase for new medications.
Data Science in Sales and Marketing
In past years, sales and marketing for pharmaceutical drug companies were performed primarily on foot by paid representatives who would tirelessly visit doctor’s offices and medical centers throughout the country. This action isn’t really necessary anymore due to advances in data science. Now at least 25% of the marketing performed by drug companies is done digitally. Additionally, almost all sales and marketing teams rely heavily on targeted data analytics to:
- drive sales
- improve spending
- enhance their overall bottom line
Predictive analytics allow pharmaceutical companies to make important decisions. They can determine which medical professionals are more likely to take an interest in a specific drug. They can make this determination based on data gathered and analyzed beforehand. This data-driven approach allows for the creation of extremely targeted sales techniques. These techniques can provide a greater degree of success. Additionally, today’s drug representatives are now equipped with smart electronic devices that have access to important real-time data analytics designed to help them make the sale. This makes their time much more productive and ensures a greater degree of success.
Pharmaceutical Data Science for Better Follow-up with Patients
Drug companies have nothing useful if they don’t have constant follow-up and the important data that this provides. Follow-up allows the drug companies to know:
- exactly how their drugs are being used
- the health of the patients
- how the consumers view the new drug in the real world
In times past, getting thousands of different opinions on new drug therapies from patients was complicated. Analyzing information proved to be time-consuming and messy to sort through. Advances in data science can lead to the gathering of this essential data in a format that’s easy to:
- read
- analyze
- make use of
With this technology, drug interactions can be noted before they become serious and affect the lives of thousands of people. Data can also be organized that will let companies know the driving force behind those who stop using their medications.
Data Analysis Through Health Apps
Health monitoring devices are fairly common these days. People wear fitness trackers, watches, and monitors to monitor their daily activities. These devices provide the user with real time information through health apps. Apps can track steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns. Some apps can track blood pressure levels and menstrual cycles through an easy-to-use user interface.
Pharmaceutical Data Scientist Salary
Data scientists are paid well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay in 2021 was $100,910/year. The job outlook is very impressive with a 36% growth rate through 2031. That is an increase of over 40,000 jobs across all sectors. Data scientists working in scientific research and development services can expect an annual mean wage of $113,430.
Conclusion
Data science is an ever-expanding area of study that affects and is used by nearly all modern-day professionals. If you’re considering working as a data scientist. it’s important to be aware of the various ways data science can be used in the pharmaceutical industry. The use of data science in pharma will continue to grow as pharmaceutical companies bring about progressive drugs and other treatments.
Related Resources:
- 30 Best Online Master’s in Data Science Degree Programs
- Data Science in Healthcare
- Five Ways Data Science is Used in Health Care