By Evereth Woodruff 
In today’s world, the only constant is change. Global trends are in constant flux, there’s rising volatility, and hearing the word ‘unprecedented’ feels like a shockingly common occurrence. This near-constant level of unpredictability forces us to ask a tricky question: how can biopharma companies stay ahead? The answer, as to many of the tricky questions of our time, lies in having a clear and authentic mission to act as a guiding lighthouse in the turbulent waters of change.
Instead of reacting to every shift and ripple in the water, companies that “keep calm and carry on” by intentionally adapting to customer needs and adhering to the tried-and-true core principles of therapeutic development are better positioned to build resilience and emerge stronger.
Time may change me: Change is the name of the game in biopharma
While today’s day and age may feel particularly tumultuous, change isn’t anything new. The world has always been in a stage of change and will continue to be so, that’s part of the charm and challenge of life on planet Earth.
Today’s challenges are many and vast. From dramatic shifts in the geopolitical landscape to inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and even AI, which is bringing both ease through automation and instability in its wake. One relevant example of this change in action is the increased investment in US infrastructure. So many things may explain this change, but it’s impossible to pinpoint exactly what is responsible. Is the increase in US infrastructure a result of policy change? Emerging from lessons learned from previous supply chain disruptions? Or maybe another unseen factor? We don’t know, and that’s always how the world has worked.
Thriving in this environment requires more than resilience, it demands focus and deliberate action. Whether you’re developing novel therapies or supporting those who do, success comes from aligning values with execution and building trust both within teams and with external partners. These fundamentals make it possible to stay flexible, decisive, and innovative amid ongoing change.
Turn & face the strain: Biopharma companies should stick to what works
You must turn and face problems head-on with solid core values to anchor yourself and your company in the stream of warm impermanence. Whether you’re developing novel therapies or supporting those who do success comes from aligning values with execution and building trust both.
Client centrism – In biopharma, being patient centric serves as that anchor, guiding the development of transformative treatments, expanding access, and improving health outcomes. For contract manufacturers, CROs, and other service providers, their mission may be a little different and center on helping clients navigate complex scientific and operational challenges. But, in every case, staying true to the core purpose helps organizations to maintain momentum, even with uncertainty.
For outsourced providers, a core pillar of success will always be understanding and meeting client needs. Being truly client-centric means recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution; what works well with one client may not be effective for another. The most successful partners are responsive and adaptable, empowering teams to make informed decisions swiftly.
It’s about moving at the speed of trust. Building trust takes time, but it’s a powerful accelerator once it is established (by being client-centric). With trust in place, teams are empowered to pivot quickly, align seamlessly, and reduce risks through fast, informed decisions. In an unpredictable landscape, flexibility is not just a desirable trait but a business necessity.
Tried-and-true tenants of success – Despite time running wild with these changes, from evolving policies to rising costs, the core of what makes a promising therapeutic has not changed. Drug development still hinges on a strong scientific thesis, establishing a solid proof of concept, and making informed, data-driven decisions about the future direction. While we may encounter increased costs of active pharmaceutical ingredients and shifting regulatory standards, the core of biotech and pharma remains unchanged. Instead of running into a million dead-end streets by trying to reinvent the wheel, companies should start small and validate their approaches early. These proven practices aren’t new, but they do work.
Biopharma should keep calm & carry on
Although it may seem like old advice, the iconic British phrase remains one of the most effective strategies. Companies should stick to their core values and what is known to work with a response that leads with science, prioritizes collaboration, and stays flexible. In a rapidly changing environment with strange fascinations, time may change the challenges we see, but not how we should respond to them.
Photo: gorodenkoff, Getty Images
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