Artificial Intelligence Set to Transform Pharmaceuticals

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a transformative force in the pharmaceutical industry, reshaping drug discovery, shortening development timelines, and enhancing patient care. Experts at the Industry-Academia Meet 2025, organised by the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) at GITAM Deemed to be University, highlighted the technology’s growing influence across the sector.

Prof. N. Srinivas, Director of GITAM School of Pharmacy, observed that AI could significantly reduce the decade-long drug development process. “Post-COVID, healthcare has taken centre stage,” he said. “AI enables faster and better-informed decisions.”

The sector-wide impact of AI was emphasised by several speakers. Dr. Y. Sreedhar of Amneal Pharmaceuticals remarked, “Automation creates jobs rather than eliminating them, and the demand for data scientists and AI specialists is rising.” Dr. Rajendra Kasi of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals added that AI can detect potential drug safety issues at an early stage, allowing manufacturers and regulators to act proactively.

The emergence of Clinical Data Science was another key theme. Dr. Mujeebudin Sheikh, founder of Clinosol Ltd, described it as a “fusion of healthcare expertise, statistics, and technology,” highlighting a global shortage of skilled professionals and the resulting career opportunities in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and contract research organisations.

AI is also reshaping pharmacovigilance. Dr. Sivakartheek Matam of Acro Labs Ltd explained that machine learning and quantum analytics enhance the speed and accuracy of safety monitoring. Dr. C. Prabhakar Reddy of Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences noted that AI tools are accelerating vaccine development, while Dr. Sharddha Bhange of Sandoz emphasised the growing importance of pharmacovigilance in the digital era.