Experimentation Matters - Unlocking the Potential of New Technologies for Innovation

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The Technology Affect Contd...

Though there are several benefits of computer based simulation and modeling, there are some limitations as well. In some cases, law agencies do not agree with the computer based simulation data and companies have to conduct simulation physically. For example, the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) in the US requires data from traditional simulation test. In some cases, the technology needs to be more advanced. For example, in the case of rollover accidents, computer simulations cannot work, as it requires tremendous computational power. Combinatorial Technologies: These technologies have significantly improved the ability to design, implement and analyze experiments. This effect can be seen in the drug industry where the whole process of experimentation has been revolutionized. The experimentation process for new drug discovery has changed significantly. Earlier, where the drug companies could develop one prototype at a time can now develop numerous prototype variations.

New technologies developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) like sterolithography helps in developing three dimensional plastic objects from CAD drawings which earlier involved significant time and costs. Other major benefits reaped due to the advancement in the technology includes:
* Major improvement in the drug discovery experimentation process.
* Strategic alliance by many drug companies to share the available database and knowledge to develop new products.
* Most of the companies have moved to the web based systems to share information between their R&D labs across different geographical locations.

Millennium Pharmaceuticals (MP)

MP, a Cambridge, Massachusetts based pharma company started its operations with an investment of $8.5 million. The company made efforts to build a technology platform where molecular biology with automation and informatics can play a major role. To obtain best results and make the optimum use of new technologies, MP decided to rework on its product development process. It appointed Michael Pavria, a pioneer in combinatorial chemistry as a chief technology officer to review the entire product development process.

Michael knew that technology alone cannot work and hence laid more emphasis on the "how-to approach" that involved looking closely at each process of drug discovery and employing the right people and technology for each process. The new approach to product development speeded up individual experimentation and enabled the company to conduct series of experimentation. By adopting this approach, MP was able to rethink on its product development process leading to the development of several new drugs.

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