Research and Development

Research and Development (R&D) covers the initial search for a molecule to treat the disease, through to having a product ready to market.

The pharmaceutical industry is the most research-intensive business sector in the UK, with £4.1 billion spent on research and development in 2016 alone. This accounts for almost a quarter of total UK expenditure on R&D.

The scientific endeavour to find new leads in innovative medicines has never been more efficient nor fast. The process is exciting and stimulating despite often taking years. It can be frustrating at times, but when that one compound that might eventually make it out on to the market is discovered, the satisfaction is unbelievable. Most of this work is carried out by scientists, mainly biologists and chemists, with a variety of specialist qualifications in, for example, toxicology, pharmacology, genetics, statistics, mathematical modelling and animal technology.

The many disciplines may seem bewildering at first, but take the time to browse and find out how you could have a role to play in the development of a new medicine, using the links at the side of the page.

Scientist looking at large sheet on a desk which features mathematical equations

Archiving

Good laboratory practice requires that electronic records are kept, and that information can easily be accessed.

Two scientists working together, holding a set of vials

Biology

Once a company has chosen which disease area to research, it must be studied so we can understand what the underlying problems are.

A pair of scientists stand to the side while they examine long titration tubes

Chemistry

Chemists working in the research and development of new medicines will interact and collaborate with many other scientists from various disciplines.

Two team members working at a long office table while another stands and writes a post it note on the wall

Clinical studies

Clinical research is the longest stage in the process of developing a new medicine, and the most expensive….but it has the potential to be one of the most exciting and rewarding phases.

Scientist stands in a lab at a counter with petri dishes

Drug safety (Pharmacovigilance)

Drug safety, or pharmacovigilance, experts monitor unexpected side effects of medicines during clinical trials and once the medicine is marketed.

Two scientists are double checking a list while reviewing a set of blood vials

Genetics

Understanding the role that genes play in disease is one of the fastest growing areas of science.

Three analysts look at the charts on a screen

Health economics

Health economics roles in the pharmaceutical industry can be divided into two main types:

View from behind of a specialist examining the screen showing the MRI of a scan of the patient in the MRI

Imaging

Imaging is rapidly becoming an essential tool for the research and development of new medicines.

Doctor sits a desk and writes notes in her paper notebook

Medical affairs

Arguably the most diverse role for a physician in the pharmaceutical industry; a medical affairs physician works with a vast variety of people, from a wide range of backgrounds.

Smiling office worker sits in front of this laptop, about to drink from a cup raised to his lips

Medical writing

Medical writing offers plenty of scope to do work you feel is worthwhile and suited to your character and talents.

The office workers sit in a office around the table with papers, laptops and whiteboard

Patenting

Training is on-the-job and requires genuine dedication because you must pass professional exams to become qualified.

Two scientists in a lab, one the background and the one in the foreground adding material to a petri dish.

Pharmacy

About 4% of pharmacists working in the UK are employed by the pharmaceutical industry. Although the number is relatively small, they have a vital role in the complex processes of developing and supplying medicines to the market.

Two office workers at a standing desk are discussing a the issue they see on the laptop before them

Regulatory affairs

Regulatory Affairs is the real safeguard of the pharmaceutical industry.

Two females workers discuss the issue they have discovered on the large whiteboard behind them

Research information

Scientists need to be kept up to date with scientific, medical and commercial views that will influence their work.

Office workers points to key charts on a whiteboard behind her

Statistics

Pharmaceutical statisticians are closely involved with all stages of drug production.