Did you know that only 7% of healthcare data — 3.5 petabytes — is used in the industry? But, on the other side of the coin, as much as 36% of data being collected in 2025 will be health related? Pharmaceutical organizations, and the wider ecosystem of healthcare and life sciences industries at large, are at no loss for data. And still, many question if it’s yet enough data to truly characterize human biology and transform how we treat disease.
The massive data footprint of the industry is beckoning to be enhanced and bolstered by AI (including Generative AI) — and many organizations are experimenting with the technology every day and embedding it into the fabric of their business, from drug discovery to clinical and supply operations to improving patient care. Where are these organizations seeing success or facing challenges? What is the anticipated (or already realized) potential unlocked by adopting emerging technologies in the biopharmaceutical industry?
That’s what AI & Us, the web series from Dataiku back for its second season, set out to explore. I had the privilege to reach out to experts across the pharmaceutical and life sciences field to understand exactly what the impact of AI looks like across the entire value chain.
The series features insights from leading industry experts at global biopharmaceutical organizations, key technology firms including NVIDIA, Snowflake, and Microsoft, cutting-edge biotech startups such as Insilico Medicine, Polaris Quantum biotech, Proscia, and AInnocence, data and technology providers like XponentL and Excelera, as well as leading academic medical centers and investors in the space.
Through four, ten-minute episodes (check out the brief summary of each one below!), we highlight how the integration of AI into the life sciences industry is not just a technological advancement, but a transformative journey towards better healthcare outcomes.
I do believe that Generative AI’s biggest opportunity is in the healthcare and life sciences space. There are thousands of diseases without any cures, millions of patients that have unmet needs, and so if we can, and there are early signs that the industry is doing this, start to leverage Generative AI to reduce the failure rate of drug discovery and drug development, and improve the likelihood of these particular drugs being targeted at the causal biology of a particular disease, or having the desired characteristics that are going to make it more successful in the clinic, we think that is an incredible opportunity both for industry and for humanity at large.
-Rory Kelleher, Global Head, Business Development for Healthcare & Life Sciences, NVIDIA
Episode 1: Making the Breakthrough
In the first episode, we dive into how AI is disrupting drug discovery. Traditional methods are being augmented by emergent technologies, allowing us to understand diseases at unprecedented levels and develop innovative treatments. Thus paving the way for AI-discovered, AI-designed medicines. From predicting protein structures to accelerating hypothesis testing through rapid analysis of vast datasets, AI is reshaping the scientific landscape. However, for AI to truly revolutionize drug discovery, collaboration between data scientists, biologists, chemists, and other experts is crucial.
Episode 2: Speed to Market
Episode two delves into the impact of AI on clinical trials, manufacturing, and supply chains. While AI may never replace certain processes like human testing, it is enhancing various aspects of clinical trials, from trial design to data collection and analysis. Moreover, AI continues to streamline quality manufacturing processes in Pharma 4.0, improving productivity, compliance, and efficiency throughout the supply chain.
Episode 3: Delivery of Care
The third episode explores how AI is transforming healthcare access and patient engagement as new therapies and precision diagnostics come to market. Machine learning and AI enable more effective engagement with medical communities, leading to better patient care and improved access to healthcare services. However, it's essential to build AI models responsibly to avoid perpetuating biases and disparities. Patient expectations are evolving, and AI is playing a crucial role in empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health.
Episode 4: Future Pharma
In the final episode, we envision the future of the biopharmaceutical industry shaped by AI. As Generative AI advances and precision medicine becomes a reality, the role of humans in the loop becomes paramount. AI accelerates the development of novel therapeutics, including cell-based gene therapies, and propels the industry towards faster diagnosis, personalized therapies, and transformative care models. The future of healthcare innovation lies in collaboration, with AI acting as a catalyst for progress.
Embracing the AI-Powered Future
It’s evident that we stand at the cusp of a profound transformation for pharmaceuticals and life sciences. The integration of AI is a paradigm shift that holds immense promise for improving patient outcomes, accelerating drug development, and enhancing the overall efficiency of healthcare systems worldwide.
However, realizing the full potential of AI in healthcare requires a collective effort from all stakeholders. Collaboration is key, as AI systems cannot work in isolation. Data scientists, biologists, chemists, clinicians, regulatory bodies, doctors, and patients must come together to harness the power of AI responsibly and ethically. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and fairness, we can build trust in AI systems and ensure that they serve the best interests of patients and society as a whole.
Looking ahead, the future of the life sciences industry is bright with possibilities. As we navigate this exciting journey, let us remain committed to leveraging AI responsibly, empowering healthcare professionals, and improving the lives of patients around the globe.