November 2024 • PharmaTimes Magazine • 38

// TECH //


See. Change.

Pharma’s DTC shift: Unlocking new opportunities with advanced analytics

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As the pharmaceutical industry embraces direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing, a sea change is underway in how companies engage with patients.

Traditionally reliant on healthcare providers to facilitate the patient journey, pharma companies are now marketing treatments directly to consumers, meeting the rising demand for more accessible, patient-centric care.

Cutting-edge tech stacks are at the heart of modern DTC operating models, enabling companies to effectively harness last-mile data – crucial real-world patient information collected at the point of care.

By implementing cloud-native platforms with advanced analytics, biopharma companies can balance innovation with the need for compliance, delivering patient-centric treatment information while adhering to strict regulations.

These technologies help create a robust framework that not only empowers patients but also strengthens trust and fosters long-term engagement, positioning biopharma at the forefront of personalised healthcare.

The benefits of DTC are clear – patients are empowered with more information and choices, and companies can build closer, data-driven relationships with consumers.

However, with these new opportunities come complex challenges, especially around data management, patient engagement and compliance.

At the heart of these challenges lies one critical asset: data. When pharma companies interact directly with consumers, they are collecting vast amounts of information.

This data is invaluable, providing actionable insights that can personalise patient engagement and improve health outcomes.

From patient sentiment to engagement patterns, and even behavioural responses to marketing campaigns, the data footprint expands exponentially.

While this data has the potential to unlock tremendous value, it also brings to the forefront significant challenges.

To manage this influx of sensitive information, pharma companies are building advanced analytics platforms that can not only track and analyse data but also ensure its protection.

Ground control

This is where a sophisticated tech stack becomes essential. One that integrates several key elements including patient engagement tools, sentiment tracking systems and robust supply chain management.

A seamless integration of these components is critical to maintain compliance with stringent regulations like HIPAA and GDPR.

In fact, compliance is perhaps the most pressing concern as DTC marketing takes off. Regulations governing how patient data is collected, stored and used are already stringent, and the pharma industry’s reputation for protecting personal health information is paramount.

Companies must ensure they are safeguarding this data at every step, requiring advanced security solutions embedded directly within their analytics platforms.

This means building onto existing tech stacks and investing in infrastructure that can handle not only the volume but also the sensitivity of the data.

Beyond compliance, patient engagement is another critical area where advanced analytics can drive success.

DTC marketing is not just about selling a product – it’s about creating meaningful, lasting relationships with consumers.

Sentiment tracking tools, for example, allow companies to understand how patients feel about their treatments and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Combined with real-time engagement data, pharma companies can tailor their communications to meet individual needs, ensuring more personalised and effective interactions.

This level of insight is vital in a market where consumer trust and brand loyalty can make or break a product’s success.

Building the right tech stack for DTC that effectively and safely harnesses last-mile data is not without its challenges. Pharma companies will need to integrate these new tools with existing systems, ensuring that everything operates smoothly and securely.

This is where advanced analytics platforms can help bridge the gap. By leveraging cutting-edge technology including AI that prioritises security, compliance, and data-driven insights, pharma companies can navigate the complexities of DTC marketing with confidence.

The shift to DTC is undoubtedly one of the most exciting trends in the pharmaceutical industry today, but it requires careful planning and the right technological foundation to succeed.

With the right technology and approach pharma companies can meet the evolving needs of their consumers while maintaining the trust and compliance standards that define the industry.


Naquan Ishman is Life Sciences Industry Consultant at SAS. Go to sas.com