AI accountability, faster FDA pathways, rare disease CMC review, and next-gen GLP-1 formulation lead this week’s PharmTech roundup.

This week on PharmTech, Merck diversified its pipeline, USP emphasizes supply chain security, AI systems are examined, and speakers preview their presentations at CPHI Milan and AAPS PharmSci 360.

Boyang Wang, Immortal Dragons, discusses how the FDA’s Expedited IND Pilot must prove efficiency as sponsors chase the fastest route to valid first-in-human data.

Nate Edwards of Arya Consulting moderates a discussion with Elisabeth Gardiner of Tevard Biosciences and Donny Xu of the RTW Institute about rare disease treatment development and navigating the FDA’s Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program.

Richard Jaenisch explains what FDA's real-world use case database means for CMC and quality teams navigating NAMs.

Boyang Wang, Immortal Dragons, explains how FDA’s Expedited IND Pilot and research partners could speed serial steps to first-in-human trials compared to China’s 818 Decree.

This article examines how modern automation platforms create the digital foundation required for Pharma 4.0 by integrating manufacturing systems, centralized data management, Industrial Internet of Things connectivity, electronic batch production records, and AI-driven analytics.

Ron Scarboro, Azurity Pharmaceuticals, explains how cross-functional development, disciplined reformulation, and post-approval metrics can help proven medicines work in everyday use.