The Future of Pharmaceutical Production

Q1. How do you see oral solid dosage manufacturing evolving over the next decade as technologies, regulations, and patient expectations continue to change?

Technology Enhancement: Oral solid dosage (OSD) manufacturing will shift from being volume-driven to being intelligence-driven. Continuous manufacturing, advanced process analytical technology (PAT), digital twins, and AI-enabled process optimization will gradually complement conventional batch manufacturing, particularly for high-volume products. Manufacturing execution systems (MES), electronic batch records (EBR), and real-time release testing (RTRT) will become increasingly common as regulators encourage science- and risk-based manufacturing.
All improvements will be technology-centric to use less manpower. Many manual processes could be eliminated through technologies such as CPV monitoring, APQR preparation, and revised document review.

Patient expectations are also changing. Smaller batch sizes, faster product launches, personalized therapies, and improved adherence through modified-release formulations and combination products will require more flexible manufacturing platforms. Sustainability will become another competitive differentiator, with increased focus on solvent reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, and carbon footprint reduction. Overall, future OSD facilities will emphasize flexibility, digital integration, quality-by-design (QbD), and data-driven operations rather than simply maximizing production capacity.

Q2. How do you see AI influencing manufacturing decision-making beyond traditional automation and process control applications?

AI’s greatest impact will…