On May 6, Hari Patel, Doug Foster, Ben Weintraub, and John Panaccione from the inPhronesis Knowledge Management Advisory Board (KMAB) held a webinar to discuss best practices for decision making in drug discovery, digging into some of the issues from its recent survey of 33 industry professionals that focused on the importance of target product profiles (TPPs), company-wide knowledge management systems, and the future of artificial intelligence (AI) at pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

The survey respondents agreed with the KMAB that TPPs have a critical role as a guiding framework for decision-making throughout the drug development process, but that not all TPPs are created equally. Hari emphasized that TPPs serve as a “North Star,” defining the desired characteristics of a drug candidate regarding efficacy, safety, convenience, and patient impact. A well-designed TPP integrates these elements into a cohesive strategy that aligns with regulatory requirements, market dynamics, and patient needs. The panel discussed the importance of maintaining TPPs as living documents, allowing flexibility to adapt based on evolving clinical data while adhering to a structured decision-making process that remains data-driven and objective.

Hari addressed the challenge of balancing company goals and personalities within TPPs, noting that different companies prioritize aspects such as market size differently. Doug emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency and using TPPs to guide decision points, allowing for data-driven evaluations and reducing emotional biases.

The KMAB survey found that company-wide knowledge management systems already exist in drug development companies, but that their use remains suboptimal. Doug emphasized the importance of a user-friendly system that allows easy input and categorization of data, ensuring that stakeholders are motivated to actively use the platform. For example, allowing users to update the importance level of a medical conference presentation “on the fly” as they are taking notes during the presentation. He stressed that effective knowledge management systems should seamlessly integrate into daily workflows, providing relevant information based on user needs and decision-making stages.

Hari emphasized the importance of collaboration facilitated by a comprehensive knowledge management system. He discussed how these systems promote transparency and information symmetry across various functions within a pharmaceutical company, enabling subject matter experts from different departments to contribute insights and perspectives crucial for informed decision-making. By fostering collaboration, these systems ensure that decisions are made with a holistic understanding of diverse viewpoints, leading to more robust strategies and outcomes.

The panel concluded that effective knowledge management systems like inVision serve as catalysts for breaking down silos, improving communication, and empowering stakeholders with timely and relevant information critical for navigating complex pharmaceutical landscapes.

Finally, the discussion turned to the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery decision-making. Doug addressed concerns about privacy and data security, highlighting advancements in AI technologies that enable companies to leverage proprietary data securely and responsibly. He discussed retrieval augmented generation (RAG), which allows controlled access to trusted data sources, ensuring transparency and accountability in AI-driven decision support systems.

Hari and Doug emphasized the need for AI tools to not only provide insights but also engage in meaningful debates with decision-makers, challenging assumptions and enhancing critical thinking processes. John Panaccione emphasizing the importance of identifying accurate and relevant information amidst the information overload. All of the panelists expressed optimism about the future of AI-driven knowledge management, envisioning tools that not only assist in decision-making but also actively contribute to innovation and patient-centric therapeutics within the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.