How Science Drives Better Business Decisions in Biopharma (2025 Update)
Decision science (DS) is being widely adopted in biopharma to support more objective, data-driven decisions throughout clinical development, corporate, portfolio, and product strategy processes. DS encompasses both descriptive (analyzing how decisions are made) and prescriptive (defining how decisions should be made) approaches, providing structured frameworks for complex choices. 1
AI and digital twins—virtual patient simulations—are accelerating drug development by allowing early testing and improved predictive modeling, reducing R&D timelines from weeks to hours in some cases (e.g., Sanofi's programs). 3
Biopharma companies are increasingly using strong clinical data and decision science tools to optimize portfolio management, focusing investments on high-potential candidates and balancing market needs with innovation capabilities. 3
Strategic use of science and data is informing which R&D programs to advance or cut as companies re-prioritize pipelines amid high development costs and market shifts. About 32% of companies are now prioritizing next-generation therapies such as CAR-T and CRISPR over "me-too" drugs. 3
The value of decision science in biopharma extends to competitive analysis, cross-border licensing strategies (e.g., U.S.–China collaboration), and navigating regulatory and geopolitical uncertainties, all of which require robust data and scientific rigor. 4
Sources:
1. https://bluematterconsulting.com/insights/whitepaper/decision-science-framework-2025/
3. https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/health-care/life-sciences-and-health-care-industry-outlooks/2025-life-sciences-executive-outlook.html
4. https://www.spencerstuart.com/research-and-insight/2025-biopharma-leadership-outlook-top-trends-and-what-they-mean-for-leaders