Research & Development in Life Sciences

An in-depth article series

Deloitte’s research & development (R&D) feature series is a selection of short articles that address critical challenges faced by the industry. Intended for Life Sciences R&D executives, these articles address multiple business areas and outline innovative and distinctive solutions to current and potential industry challenges. The series covers a broad and diverse set of vital business components including strategic vision, operational re-design, technology, talent management, and tax among others. Each article represents a snapshot of Deloitte’s point of view and is intended to foster further thinking and conversation regarding a particular issue.

	Re-igniting the R&D Engine in a Constrained Environment BioPharma R&D operating models lack the flexibility required to effectively apply research capacity to meet shifting demand. As a result, R&D is plagued by operational and governance constraints that drive costs up and limit choices at key stage gates, creating a variable and unsustainable flow of low value products through the pipeline. To re-build sustainable pipelines with high value products, R&D organizations must focus on actively balancing resources across the pipeline to consistently align capacity with demand and create choices that will differentiate products. In many organizations this will require wholesale operational, structural, and cultural transformation. We believe this change needs to occur now, as other options such as M&A, licensing, outsourcing, and cost-cutting alone cannot support long-term growth.
	R&D Tax Incentive Opportunities for Life Sciences Companies – A Point of View In an era where life sciences companies are rapidly witnessing industry consolidation, global expansion, off-shoring of manufacturing and clinical trials, and increased scrutiny of the R&D process, the research tax credit is more important than ever. This point of view will touch broadly upon these issues, address various complexities with the calculation, and provide guidance for companies to consider when trying to effectively document and address the tax credit surrounding their R&D processes.
	Scenario Planning in Life Sciences R&D The Life Sciences industry is no stranger to uncertainty; in both laboratories and boardrooms, change is continuous and unpredictable. This article presents a scenario planning approach that supports the development of flexible corporate or operating strategies that embrace ambiguity and complexity. This approach can be used to challenge conventional wisdom and hidden assumptions regarding the business environment and to quickly drive towards a manageable set of broad strategies that can help navigate through unpredictable waters and reduce risk in organizations.
	Innovative and Productive Pharmaceutical Research through Strategic Capability Management Life Sciences companies are faced with the challenge of maintaining a sustainable pipeline and driving growth while controlling costs. This article shows how managing R&D as an integrated set of capabilities has helped companies become more agile, efficient and better positioned to innovate in a changing industry.
	Secondary Uses of Electronic Health Record (EHR) Data in Life Science Research, Development and Post-marketing Surveillance Most Life Sciences R&D functions are under increasing pressure to improve innovation, reduce development inefficiencies and advance product safety. Patient-level data, collected through EHR systems, offers one promising avenue for redefining R&D and revolutionizing the life sciences value chain.
	Executing & Sustaining R&D Strategy Given the length of the R&D process and other pressures on the industry, Life Sciences organizations cannot afford to have their R&D strategies delayed or partially implemented because of poor execution. By focusing on more effective execution from the outset, R&D organizations can increase the likelihood of achieving the expected benefits of their strategies.