Decision Support for Re-Designed Medicinal Products - Assessing Consequences of a Customizable Product Design on the Value Chain from a Sustainability Perspective

Abstract

Despite advances in pharmacological research providing means for individually customized patient attribute treatments, the 'one-size-fits-all' paradigm remains. Customization is associated with cost increases and the value assessment of customized medicinal products shows upon a narrow economic focus. Inspired by value models, emerging in manufacturing industry research, this study suggests a novel methodology encompassing a full sustainability perspective, including the social, economic and ecological dimension, for design decision support for medicinal products. A concept screening matrix is adapted, using sustainability criteria as value indicators. The focus is to create value for the whole pharmaceutical value chain whilst keeping the core purpose of medicinal products, i.e. to bring societal benefits. An illustrative case study presents an application of the methodology on a commercial product for curing hypertension. The traditional product design for hypertension treatment is compared to a customized product design. Results indicate that a customized product design is preferable if value is to be created from a social or/and an ecological sustainability perspective.

Healthcare Systems Design: A Sandbox of Current Research Themes Presented at an International Meeting

“…Development methodologies were introduced to help create value effective healthcare products-and services. Modelling of complex products and processes including functional, modular and platform-based developments were presented by the Systems Engineering Design group at Chalmers University of Technology (Borgue et al, 2019), together with the use of engineering strategies of modularisation and customisation and their applications in the precision delivery of medicines to improve efficiency (Siiskonen et al, 2019). Further examples using product-and service development methodologies included user-centred design for adapting smart wearables to the needs of seniors with mild cognitive impairment and the development and testing of pervasive assistive technology solutions created by combining off-the-shelf smart technology (Thorpe et al, 2016).…”