Unlocking deeper insights, accelerating innovation, and delivering greater value to clients
Contributors : Bindu Ajithkumar
Date : June 2025
Since the first genome mapping in 2003, genome sequencing has generated biological data across diverse organisms and applications, with studies forecasting a staggering 40 billion gigabytes annually by 2025. This data surge presents challenges and opportunities for consulting firms serving pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrigenomics, and healthcare clients.
As their clients embed advanced analytics into research, development, and commercial operations, they demand partners who can blend scientific expertise with strategic insight. However, building in-house scientific informatics capabilities requires investments in computational infrastructure, databases, and specialized tools, not to mention the challenge of recruiting top talent.
In this context, partnering with a scientific informatics provider can be more practical for two reasons. First, an experienced provider will likely have analysis tools, computational infrastructure, domain experts, and scalable solutions for handling complex genomic data. Second, they can provide advanced tools like cloud-based genomic analysis, end-to-end next-generation sequencing (NGS) pipelines, and AI-driven biomarker discovery, which can help consultancies decode complex biological data and deliver actionable strategies for their clients.
The shifting expectations from clients
Life sciences, pharma, and FMCG businesses now make decisions based on real-time data and analytics. Decision-makers increasingly seek tailored solutions rather than generic strategies. For consulting firms serving these dynamic sectors, the ability to derive value from diverse biological datasets—genomics, proteomics, and clinical records—has become increasingly important, often requiring specialized biological knowledge and computational expertise.
Clients today expect
Personalized solutions grounded in real-world data
Life sciences and healthcare organizations now operate in an environment where genomic data generation has outpaced Moore’s Law since 20151. In clinical settings, AI-augmented diagnostic systems are showing remarkable accuracy improvements while reducing costs and improving patient outcomes2. Personalized medicine based on an individual’s unique genetic makeup and lifestyle factors requires analyzing diverse datasets, including genomic information, electronic health records, and wearable technologies3. Similarly, many companies now offer dietary recommendations based on individual genetic profiles and gut microbiome analysis4. Clients increasingly expect consulting partners capable of handling this multifaceted data to develop targeted, practical solutions.
Faster, AI/ML-ready insights from complex biological datasets
Biological data continues growing in volume and complexity. About 57% of healthcare and life sciences companies now view data as a critical asset, with 67% considering it their main innovation driver5. AI and Machine Learning have become essential tools for extracting actionable insights, whether accelerating drug discovery, improving cancer detection, or enhancing agricultural productivity with genomics.
Comprehensive support in the digital transformation of R&D and clinical operations
The convergence of high-throughput data generation, computational analysis, and AI/ML has transformed R&D and clinical processes. Pharmaceutical companies now use data analytics and AI to improve clinical trials—from targeted patient recruitment that reduces enrollment times to real-time monitoring6. Many firms recognize the importance of integrating diverse data sources like Electronic Lab Notebooks, Laboratory Information Management Systems, and omics platforms into unified, searchable environments7. Consulting firms are now expected to provide strategic guidance for these digital transformation initiatives.
In this new landscape, expertise in scientific and data-driven approaches is no longer optional but business-critical. Consulting firms lacking this capability risk falling behind as clients increasingly select partners who can deliver scientific rigor alongside strategic advice.
The future belongs to those who can combine consulting excellence with scientific innovation.Strategic partnerships in scientific informatics make that possible.
Why in-house capability may not be enough
While consulting firms excel in strategy, operations, and IT solutions, developing comprehensive scientific informatics capabilities internally presents several challenges:
Lack of specialized scientific informatics expertise
Bioinformatics is multidisciplinary, requiring expertise in database management, software development, computational pipelines for next-generation sequencing, gene expression analysis, 3D structure prediction, drug design, and precision medicine. Building a diverse team with expertise in life sciences, statistics, computational biology, and data science is challenging from scratch. The life sciences sector faces an acute talent shortage in these areas, with demand far outstripping supply8. As advances in gene therapy, AI, and precision medicine accelerate, even consultants with strong business and project management skills may lack the scientific depth needed to tackle complex biological data challenges.
Difficulties in scaling life sciences data capabilities
Client needs for advanced biological data analysis fluctuate, creating a business dilemma: maintaining underutilized specialized teams during slow periods while risking capacity shortages during critical projects. The computational infrastructure required for large-scale omics analysis demands significant initial investment and ongoing maintenance. Scaling these specialized resources to match changing client needs creates operational and financial challenges that may not align with a consulting firm’s core business model.
Risk of diminished credibility without demonstrable scientific rigor
Without scientific rigor, firms risk losing credibility with pharma, biotech, and healthcare clients who expect partners to “speak their language” and deliver insights grounded in biological data. Partners with strong scientific credentials enhance a consulting firm’s standing when advising clients in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or data-intensive fields.
Keeping pace with evolving technologies
Scientific informatics evolves rapidly—today’s cutting-edge technology can become obsolete in a few years. Recent advances in sequencing technologies like PacBio HiFi and Oxford Nanopore have increased accuracy and throughput. AI models like AlphaFold have transformed protein structure prediction, enhancing drug discovery capabilities. Staying competitive requires ongoing investment in training, community engagement, and infrastructure updates—a challenge for non-specialized firms lacking a core focus in bioinformatics.
How scientific informatics partners fill the critical gap
Scientific domain knowledge
These specialists bring expertise in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome research9. This knowledge helps interpret biological data and derive meaningful insights, such as linking microbial outputs to host health or identifying active gene expression in microbial communities. Their multidisciplinary teams can design experiments and extract insights from next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry datasets.
Ready-to-deploy analytical infrastructure
Strategic scientific informatics partnerships provide immediate access to specialized expertise and pre-built analytical tools. This capability shortens project timelines from data collection to insights—a key advantage when clients need rapid, AI/ML-driven results15. This capability is particularly valuable for pharma and biotech clients.
Expertise in multi-omics data integration
Integrating information from multiple sources is a key challenge in biological research and healthcare10. Scientific informatics partners specialize in unifying data from clinical trials, R&D outputs, laboratory systems, multi-omics platforms, real-world evidence, and public databases. Their expertise in data harmonization enables comprehensive analyses that yield holistic insights11.
Regulatory compliance expertise
The pharmaceutical, clinical diagnostics, and healthcare sectors operate under strict regulatory frameworks, including GxP guidelines, HIPAA, and GDPR121314. Established biomedical informatics partners understand these requirements and maintain processes and systems that ensure data security, patient privacy, and traceability when handling sensitive information.
Where domain experts add value to consulting-led engagements
As consulting firms guide clients through R&D, market access, and digital transformation journeys, specialized scientific and informatics expertise can complement their strategic work. Here’s where scientific informatics partners can deliver value:
Biomarker discovery & companion diagnostics
Life sciences data experts support consulting-led pharma projects with advanced multi-omics data analysis, AI-based biomarker identification, and clinical biomarker validation frameworks that reduce trial risks and accelerate time-to-market. These capabilities benefit clients exploring precision medicine, stratified trials, or diagnostic co-development. Read how we helped our customer to personalize psoriasis treatment here.
Microbiome analytics for FMCG & nutrition
FMCG and nutraceutical clients benefit from microbiome data science capabilities, including analysis of shotgun metagenomics and 16S sequencing data. These insights help consultants develop personalized nutrition strategies, functional food products, and consumer engagement models based on solid science. Learn how enhanced vegan cheese production, leveraging transcriptomic data here.
AI model development for hospitals & payers
Biomedical informatics specialists combine genomics and AI expertise to help consulting firms implement predictive healthcare models. When consultants work with hospitals and insurers on projects involving genetic risk assessment, treatment selection, or drug-gene interactions, specialized partners provide the technical foundation. Their teams ensure AI models use high-quality clinical datasets while maintaining strict data security and regulatory compliance.
Lab informatics & workflow automation
Consultants planning ELN, LIMS, or lab digitization strategies for biotech, CRO, or diagnostics firms can rely on Excelra laboratory informatics services for seamless technical implementation—from system integration to bioinformatics pipeline automation. This helps ensure operational ROI and research scalability.
Key qualities to look for in a scientific informatics partner
Not all scientific informatics partners are the same. Consulting firms should look for these qualities:
Scientific depth and technical agility
The best partners combine deep biological sciences knowledge with advanced computational skills. They demonstrate expertise in current bioinformatics tools, algorithms, and high-performance computing while showing flexibility to adapt to emerging technologies. Look for evidence through peer-reviewed publications, successful case studies, or patented technologies.
Flexible engagement models
They offer various collaboration options—from specialized analytical services to dedicated teams for long-term support and strategic advisory roles. They should integrate smoothly with your internal teams and, when needed, work directly with clients while maintaining clear communication and aligned objectives.
Proven industry experience
Experience with leading organizations in your target sectors predicts future success. Request detailed case studies demonstrating their ability to deliver measurable outcomes and their understanding of industry-specific challenges, processes, and regulatory requirements.
Data integration expertise
Modern bioinformatics demands seamless orchestration of diverse data ecosystems. Leading specialists demonstrate mastery in connecting and harmonizing data across laboratory information systems, clinical databases, electronic health records, public repositories, and proprietary datasets. Essential capabilities include advanced proficiency with major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and rigorous implementation of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles—particularly critical when navigating complex multi-vendor or hybrid environments.
How Excelra stands out as a strategic partner for consulting firms
Global experience across life sciences and healthcare
Since 2016, Excelra has partnered with 15 leading pharmaceutical companies and 135 international partners. With offices in Boston, Utrecht, and Hyderabad, it facilitates global operations. Its acquisition of BISC Global has expanded its presence in Europe and the USA, creating a strong international footprint in scientific informatics 16.
Proprietary databases and scientific informatics platforms
Excelra offers proprietary tools that accelerate analysis and provide unique insights:
- GOSTAR® SAR Databases: Comprehensive, manually curated Structure-Activity Relationship database
- BioVisualizer™: Interactive platform for exploring and analyzing complex multi-omics datasets
- Cloud Solution: Secure, compliant infrastructure for bioinformatics computing
- Online Pipeline Platform (OP²)®: Workflow management system for automating bioinformatics pipelines
- Custom Biomarker Knowledgebase: Tailored databases for specific disease areas
Custom solutions and flexible delivery models
Excelra adapts its approach to meet specific client challenges rather than applying one-size-fits-all methods. Their technical capabilities span multiple disciplines—from multi-omics analysis to specialized data curation and FAIR data management—enabling precisely matched solution components for each consulting engagement.
Multidisciplinary expert team
Excelra employs 1000+ domain experts, including biologists, pharmacologists, data scientists, bioinformaticians, software programmers, and systems engineers. This specialized expertise enables them to design and deliver sophisticated solutions to complex biological problems.
Conclusion
The strategic advantage of scientific informatics partnerships
Scientific informatics expertise is no longer optional for consulting firms serving healthcare, life sciences, or FMCG clients. As biological data grows and client expectations rise, scientific informatics expertise has become a key differentiator.
Challenges such as the expertise gap, difficulty scaling advanced biological data capabilities, and rapid technological advancements make in-house capability development impractical for many firms. Meanwhile, clients increasingly expect personalized, data-driven solutions and comprehensive support for their digital transformation initiatives.
Consulting firms need strategic partners to address this critical gap without massive internal investment, and Excelra offers precisely this advantage. With its global presence spanning key markets, proprietary tools like GOSTAR® and BioVisualizer™, flexible engagement models tailored to specific project needs, and a team of over 1,000 multidisciplinary experts, Excelra provides immediate access to the specialized capabilities consulting firms require to meet evolving client demands.
References
[1] https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.1002195
[5] https://kms-healthcare.com/blog/data-analytics-in-life-sciences/
[9] https://www.excelra.com/our-services/insights/bioinformatics/
[10] https://appian.com/blog/acp/life-sciences/data-trends
[12] https://toolbox.eupati.eu/resources/good-practice-gxp/
[14] https://gdpr.eu/what-is-gdpr/
[15] https://www.excelra.com/blogs/4-major-bioinformatics-expertise-sources-for-biotech-start-ups/
[16] https://www.excelra.com/news/excelra-acquires-bisc-global/#
