Health horizons: Future trends and technologies from the European Medicines Agency’s horizon scanning collaborations

Abstract

In medicines development, the progress in science and technology is accelerating. Awareness of these developments and their associated challenges and opportunities is essential for medicines regulators and others to translate them into benefits for society. In this context, the European Medicines Agency uses horizon scanning to shine a light on early signals of relevant innovation and technological trends with impact on medicinal products. This article provides the results of systematic horizon scanning exercises conducted by the Agency, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre’s (DG JRC). These collaborative exercises aim to inform policy-makers of new trends and increase preparedness in responding to them. A subset of 25 technological trends, divided into three clusters were selected and reviewed from the perspective of medicines regulators. For each of these trends, the expected impact and challenges for their adoption are discussed, along with recommendations for developers, regulators and policy makers.

Insights into implementation planning for point-of-care testing to guide treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation: a mixed methods feasibility study

“…The authors recognize the wide range of tools and methodologies available for the early assessment of innovative medical devices including diagnostics. Horizon-scanning helps policy makers to understand the innovation landscape to guide policy development ( 40 ), and Multi Criteria Decision Analysis can support regulatory agencies in health technology assessment and priority setting ( 41 ). Early technology assessment and early economic evaluation helps innovators to align their products with the specific needs of the market and supports commercialization ( 42 ).…”

In vivo CAR T cells and targeted gene delivery: A theme for the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency Science Board to address

“…From an international point of view, global regulators cooperate in the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA), where horizon scanning is one of the focuses in which the PMDA is participating ( 30 ). In a recent publication on horizon scanning by the European Medicines Agency, a subset of 25 technological trends has been identified, many of which overlap with what the PMDA is also paying attention to ( 31 ). Using the ICMRA network, reports from the PMDA Science Board will help facilitate safe and timely access to innovative medicines globally.…”

PROTACs: Emerging Targeted Protein Degradation Approaches for Advanced Druggable Strategies

“…The PROTAC-induced close proximity of the amyloids allows for the formation of a stable ternary complex, which can boost the cross-interaction’s beneficial effects. The PROTAC molecules will be built using peptide mimics with a high affinity for a 1-42 [ 116 , 117 ].…”