When life sciences met artificial intelligence
Three-quarters of organizations in the life-sciences field started using AI less than two years ago. Which is to say that most only joined the party after generative AI became a thing. (Or did it become the thing?)
Whether or not the rapid ramp-up is a case of cause and effect isn’t clear. In any case, the pace of AI adoption is quickening in the sector, which includes biopharmaceuticals, digital health, clinical diagnostics and medical devices.
In fact, a new survey by the multinational law firm Arnold & Porter shows more than 85% of operators in this arena plan to fully deploy new AI tools over the next two years.
The report offers five observations from the survey, which queried 100 senior executives and department heads.
1. Research and development constitute the most popular use case for AI in the life sciences.
R&D emerged as the leading area of AI implementation, the authors report, showing that 79% of respondents are actively using or planning to use AI to “drive faster, more efficient drug discovery and clinical trials.” More:
‘AI is also making inroads into manufacturing (62%), marketing (45%) and regulatory functions (42%) as companies seek to harness the power of AI across the entire product lifecycle.’
2. AI governance is an ongoing challenge for many life-sciences companies.
According to the survey, only 55% of companies currently using AI have implemented formal AI policies or standard operating procedures, Arnold & Porter note. Even fewer—just 51% of companies—have completed regular AI audits or assembled cross-functional teams to oversee safe and compliant AI use. More:
‘This data suggests that companies will need to prioritize risk management and compliance more to realize AI’s full potential without exposing themselves to unnecessary vulnerabilities.”
3. AI already delivers tangible benefits in the product discovery and commercialization phases.
Right around half of respondents “have explored leveraging AI to optimize product discovery and design, citing anticipated faster time-to-market and improved efficiency as key drivers,” the authors write.
‘Additionally, 85% of respondents reported that AI-driven initiatives to boost commercial effectiveness have been highly productive.’
4. Concerns are rising over intellectual-property issues related to AI.
Nearly three-quarters (74%) of respondents expressed significant concern about the potential for AI to introduce new IP challenges within the next year, the authors found.
‘As AI-driven innovations continue to reshape the industry, life-sciences companies are increasingly vigilant about protecting their breakthroughs.’
5. AI’s role in patient care and diagnostics will surely grow.
The survey suggests that AI-enabled diagnostic tools, clinical trials and AI-assisted treatment plans will soon become standard across healthcare, Arnold & Porter predict.
‘However, given that regulators are already signaling heightened scrutiny of AI use from a compliance perspective, companies must address governance gaps to ensure safe, effective and compliant use as they progress with AI integration.’
The report also delves into AI issues affecting privacy and cybersecurity, manufacturing and supply chain, commercialization, payments, governance and compliance, implementation and global considerations.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.