AI in Pharma: Unsealing New Innovation Era's Potential 

Published Date: 16/07/2024

A new survey reveals that the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors are embracing artificial intelligence (AI), but data accuracy and transparency remain major concerns.

The pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors are on the cusp of a revolution, as artificial intelligence (AI) is being increasingly adopted to accelerate knowledge discovery and improve research outcomes. A recent survey by Elsevier, a leading publisher of scientific and technical information, has shed light on the attitudes of researchers and clinicians towards AI. The survey, which polled over 3,000 researchers and clinicians across 123 countries, found that an overwhelming majority of respondents (96%) believe that AI will accelerate knowledge discovery, and 71% predict that its impact will be 'transformative or significant'.

However, despite the enthusiasm for AI, concerns about data accuracy and transparency remain. A significant proportion of respondents (96%) believe that AI will be used for misinformation at least to some extent, and 84% are worried about critical errors. Furthermore, 86% of respondents fear that AI will lead to weakened critical thinking.

  Information 

Elsevier is a world-leading provider of scientific, technical, and medical information, with a portfolio of over 2,500 journals and 35,000 book titles.

The survey highlights the need for ethics, transparency, and accuracy to be embedded in AI tools. Mirit Eldor, Managing Director, Life Sciences at Elsevier, noted that 'researchers in fields from pharmaceuticals to biotechnology to chemicals are clearly telling us they have an appetite for AI to aid their work, but that ethics, transparency and accuracy remain paramount.'

To build trust in AI tools, a high proportion of respondents (91%) expect generative AI (GAI) dependent tools' results to be based solely on high-quality trusted sources. Additionally, 60% stated that ensuring confidential inputs would raise their trust in the tool.

The integration of reliable scientific data with secure computational ecosystems is critical to unlocking the full potential of AI in pharma. As Eldor explained, 'the power of AI will be unleashed when organisations are able to integrate reliable scientific data with secure computational ecosystems, to build intelligent and specialist AI applications that solve scientific problems.'

Overall, the survey suggests that the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors are poised to undergo a significant transformation, driven by the power of AI. However, it is crucial to address the concerns around data accuracy and transparency to ensure that AI is used responsibly and effectively.

FAQS:

"Q: What percentage of respondents believe that AI will accelerate knowledge discovery?

A: 96%

Q: What is the main concern around the use of AI in pharma?

A: Data accuracy and transparency

Q: How many respondents expect to use AI within the next two to five years?

A: 76%

Q: What percentage of respondents believe that AI will lead to weakened critical thinking?

A: 86%

Q: What is the key to building trust in AI tools?

A: Ensuring high-quality trusted sources and confidential inputs

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