As we are well on our way into 2025, groundbreaking treatments and innovative technology are driving the healthcare industry and shifting consumer expectations. From artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies to genetic therapies and online pharmacies, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals are in a constant state of adaptation. Consumers around the world have expectations centered around their well-being and longevity, and as we move into a world where AI is being incorporated into healthcare, we are starting to find and see some emerging technologies. Here are a few up and coming treatments as we look ahead:

Gene + Cell Therapies

In gene and cell therapies, specifically in CRISPR-based treatments, AI is being used to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of gene editing. AI models, such as TIGER, are being developed by machine learning expert David Knowles and a NYU research team. These models are being used to predict off-target effects and optimize target selection and delivery for more effective genome modification. Gene and cell therapy has also been expanding outside of the oncology space, with osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and type I diabetes having a number of pipeline therapies.

mRNA Advancements

Pfizer utilized a machine learning tool known as Smart Data Query (SDQ) to review COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial data. The use of SDQ reduced the time to market by an entire month and enabled better patient access by getting the vaccine to market more quickly. Outside of vaccines, we are now seeing mRNA use in areas such as autoimmune diseases and cancer. This technology has since been continuously growing and expanding to assist with vaccine development and mRNA stability.

Psychedelic Therapies

After receiving push back from the FDA last year, MDMA and psilocybin are navigating their way through regulatory challenges to seek approval for treatment of certain health conditions, such as PTSD. FDA concerns surrounding psychedelics have been long standing, partially due to the critical challenges we still face in their application. These challenges include how individuals will respond to specific psychedelics, the unpredictable durability of the therapeutic effects, and our incomplete understanding of how psychedelics interact with epigenetics and microbiomes. The idea of a patient’s mindset and the treatment environment is also a primary concern and is not well understood. As we continue to see cases where traditional treatments fail in depression, PTSD, and addiction, we need to address the challenges that are imminent in modern medicine before widespread adoption can occur.

Consumer Expectations

Consumer expectations surrounding healthcare fall into multiple categories:

• Personalization
• On-demand treatment
• Transparency
• Affordability

Several innovators have stepped up to meet these expectations. For example, genomic testing companies like GeneSight offer genetic testing to assist physicians in selecting the most effective medications for an individual. Charlie Health, an online mental health and wellness company that provides intensive outpatient programs for children and adults, has made virtual consultation simpler. The growth of online pharmacies has made refilling prescriptions easy, and delivery is a convenient choice for patients. GoodRx and various insurance providers are providing patients with more transparent drug and medical procedure prices, giving patients visibility and control over relevant healthcare information.

From 2020 and beyond, we have seen a massive shift in consumer outlook towards health. Many consumers are shifting towards a self-care and pro-active lifestyle. As more health data becomes available to the consumer, they look towards personalized treatment and transparency. There is a shift in care from reactive to preventative that is shaping what the future will entail, and these new therapies are not only transforming treatment but redefining medicine as we know it.