If the experts are successful in incorporating the new computing technologies and the evolution of a ‘virtual man’ to predict the effects of new drugs before they enter clinical trials, this will definitely be very useful in finding solutions to thousands of diseases in the world. The recent report of consultancy Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) is another encouraging development to the ailing population who is losing its eagerness to survive due to the scarcity of the available treatments in the market.

The PwC report’s target of shortening the R&D process by 2020 to two-thirds is not only cost-effective in terms of clinical trials but also promises immediate cure for new diseases sprouting every day. Agonizing patients will be more relieved as their aches will be treated at once in the future.

I agree with Steve Arlington of PwC that pharmaceutical industry needs a faster, more predictive way of testing molecules before they get into humans. The trial-and-error process in treating patients will be minimized once this virtual man technology is underway.

Ever since, creating suitable and innovative drugs despite the million-dollar investment in pharmaceutical R&D has been the greatest dilemma in the drug market. It is about time to do drastic changes in the system and reach out to the needs of the people who are in pain and dying.

The suggested smart technology using computer-generated virtual models of the heart, other organs and cell systems are innovative tools being generated to simulate the physiological effects of drugs. As expected, this will show better results once a drug is taken in the human body.

It is also anticipated that there will be greater savings ahead by 40 percent if ever this project is adopted. More than the time and money saved, patients can look forward to a better treatment in the future. Before they are approved, drugs will be tested in virtual technology before being administered to patients.

Source: IOL

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