R&D productivity and the innovation deficit

Case study (B)
The issue:

Our client, a major global pharmaceutical company recognised there were significant inefficiencies in its drug research & development (R&D) processes that resulted in over-investment and poorly used resources. This came at a time when across the industry, attrition had reached an all time high, costs for R&D were spiralling out of control and the time taken to develop a potential product was increasing.

At our client, drug development projects were being stopped for a variety of reasons in the later stages of development. It was, therefore, fundamental for the Research group to select compounds prior to entry into development that had improved chances of success. Numerous processes, tools and governance models had been implemented to improve how new compounds were tested and selected in the past with mixed results. The client was looking to place the best of these approaches under a single umbrella – Project Risk and Innovative Strategies Method (PRISM).

Our approach:

PwC helped: finalise the method and associated materials, pilot the implementation and train a group of the client’s facilitators. Our role was to:

  • Extend the processes, tools and templates and combine them into a coherent framework
  • Develop and deliver communications and training
  • Design and develop a web-based portal which would act as a knowledge repository and communication tool.

PwC also facilitated a number of pilot PRISM events, helping to identify and train a network of facilitators, coaching and supporting them as they took on increasing levels of responsibility.

The outcome:

PRISM is now an integral part of the client’s strategy to:

  • Reduce cost
  • Increase value
  • Improve efficiency by identifying and addressing development risks earlier in the R&D pipeline.

PRISM is helping project teams to deliver higher quality compounds more consistently and efficiently. It is also coordinating the alignment of Research, Development and Commercial organisations earlier in the development process, enabling teams to make rapid and robust ‘go/no go’ decisions, enhancing resource productivity and reducing costs.