Different focus in pharma R&D from cure to prevention

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R&D of pharma will go to put part of its focus on establishing health claims for preventative formulations, like neutraceuticals and supplements

Developments in time

2010-2015

Health care system was getting more expensive. Shift in focus from care to prevention was seen as a way to save costs in the system. Additionally EU regulation (EFSA) on health care claims in food industry became more clear. In practice this meant that the food producing industry had to proof any health claims on food products and supplements in clinical trials, not unlike those used by pharma industry. Food industry therefore started to look for more experience in performing those trials, by hiring specialised companies.

2015-2020

Pharma Industry was still in search of the next blockbuster, but was also seeing food industry focussing on cinical trials to get health claims allowed. Pharmaceutical companies started to realise that food industry was actually operating in part of their core competences, albeit for totally different products. Meanwhile, with ageing population rising, more and more products with healthclaims were put on the shelfs, with success. Some pharmaceutical companies started to shift their focus to functional foods, supplements and neutraceuticals. they were already tolling some of the ingredients upon request by the food industry in their factories to keep them filled, why not develop them on their own?

2020-2025

Meanwhile government picked up the trend that Pharma Industry was getting more involved in this field. They applauded it, sicne there had been numerous cases in which products had to be taken off the shelf, since they caused some undesired side-effects. Futhermore, alo in view of consumer safety there had been some scandals with imported supplements. Government thought it would be good if there was involvement of Pharma Industry in developing and producing the preventative products, since they could ensure it complied to a certain quality standard.