Future of Health

How BioPharma companies must reinvent their business models to succeed in the emerging LIFEcare ecosystem

Viewpoint

Transforming healthcare and BioPharma for the future

The healthcare and biopharmaceutical industries are experiencing a significant transformation. Driven by technological advancements, scientific breakthroughs, demographic shifts, and economic pressures, these sectors are evolving rapidly. Industries such as healthcare, BioPharma, technology, and retail are converging into a LIFEcare ecosystem. This shift from reactive "DISEASEcare" to proactive "WELLcare" marks a new paradigm where prevention, lifestyle optimization, diagnostics, personalized treatment, and care are integrated into daily life.

Our comprehensive report explores these changes through extensive research, including insights from over 100 senior executives in the pharmaceutical industry and a survey of 2,500 consumers across the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany. The findings reveal a median monthly spending of $240 on prevention among individuals in these regions. Moreover, respondents in the US and Europe express a willingness to invest an additional $690 billion in WELLcare offerings yearly, motivated by the desire for longer, healthier lives and enhanced access to health and wellness services.

The adoption and maturity of the LIFEcare ecosystem vary across different therapeutic areas, highlighting the need for customized strategies. To stay competitive and drive innovation, biopharma companies must rethink their business and operating models, both broadly and at the therapeutic area level.

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Understanding the LIFEcare ecosystem

The LIFEcare ecosystem represents a move toward more holistic, integrated care – one that blends smart technology, real-time data, and personalized insights to deliver a more balanced and seamless healthcare experience, embedded into daily life rather than confined to clinical settings.

Discover key insights of the Future of Health study 3.0

We surveyed over 100 senior executives from top BioPharma, diagnostics, and MedTech companies worldwide to capture their perspectives on the future of healthcare and pharma. Key findings from our study highlight that four out of the five PwC megatrends are not just influencing but fundamentally disrupting traditional pharmaceutical business models:

  • 94% of pharma executives agree that technological disruptions will significantly impact the pharma value chain
  • 84% believe demographic shifts will profoundly affect the pharma business model
  • 66% expect geographical fragmentation to reshape business environments
  • 63% anticipate social instability to influence business environments

As these megatrends present both challenges and opportunities, industry leaders must redefine their vision for the future of health and reassess their business and operating models.

Accelerators, impediments, and implications for BioPharma

The LIFEcare ecosystem offers a compelling vision for the future of health, yet it remains an aspiration. Its progress rests on a dynamic battle between accelerators propelling its development on the one hand, and barriers hindering its adoption on the other. This tension is highlighted in our executive survey:

Legal: Regulatory framework

:Legal
Regulatory framework

13 36 51
Environment: Healthcare system structure

:Environment
Healthcare system structure

15 46 39
Political: Political and payer attitude

:Political
Political and payer attitude

31 27 43
Economic: Investments into and financing of healthcare

:Economic
Investments into and financing of healthcare

56 26 18
Social: Societal, patient and healthcare provider openness to innovation and change

:Social
Openness to innovation and change in society, patients, and providers

56 33 11
Technology:

:Technology
Technology and scientific advancements

87 12 1
Accelerator
Neutral
Inhibitor

How BioPharma needs to change its value creation and business model

As consumers increasingly prioritize prevention, longevity, and wellness, the healthcare and biopharmaceutical industries must evolve to meet these changing demands. The focus is shifting from simply treating diseases to promoting overall health and well-being. To remain relevant in this new landscape, pharma companies must rethink their approach to value creation and business models.

Now is the time for the pharmaceutical industry to act boldly and seize this untapped opportunity. By redefining their vision, expanding their reach, and pursuing innovation beyond traditional revenue streams, pharma companies can lead the way in the evolving healthcare ecosystem. This transformation involves developing innovative business models, engaging with diverse stakeholder groups, and exploring new methods of value creation.

What does the future hold for BioPharma?

Biopharma companies have made significant strides with advancements like personalized medicine and wearables. However, the industry still largely focuses on traditional DISEASEcare, while a major shift towards LIFEcare is on the horizon. To prepare for this transformation, BioPharma companies should envision the future of the pharmaceutical industry and explore innovative strategies.

Here is how they can lead the way:

  • 1
    Foster partnerships and cross-industry collaboration to generate innovation and growth
  • 2
    Conduct a comprehensive portfolio analysis, evaluating TAs to ensure they are future-proof in the LIFEcare ecosystem
  • 3
    Review and optimize the operating model to enhance efficiency and adaptability
  • 4
    Assess and adapt internal capabilities to meet changing market demands in the emerging LIFEcare ecosystem
  • 5
    Enhance data availability and utilize data analysis to generate actionable insights

Isabel Bayer, Miriam Görtzen, Iryna Scheurlen, Ricarda Thilmann, Tim Bergander and Lukas Rojahn co-authored this report.

Contact us

Dr. Thomas Solbach

Dr. Thomas Solbach

Partner, Strategy& Germany

Fritz Heese

Fritz Heese

Partner, Strategy& Germany

Anthony Bruce

Anthony Bruce

Global Health Industry Leader, PwC United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)7801 916767​

Thalita Marinho

Thalita Marinho

Partner, Strategy& UK

Jonas Grefe

Jonas Grefe

Director, Strategy& Switzerland

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