---
title: "AI Revolution Transforms Drug Discovery and Big Pharmas Bottom Line"
publisher: "Stockmark.IT"
author: "Stockmark.IT Website"
published: "2024-12-16T08:51:33+00:00"
modified: "2024-12-16T08:51:33+00:00"
date: 2024-12-16
canonical: "https://stockmark.it/ai-revolution-transforms-drug-discovery-and-big-pharmas-bottom-line/"
category: "Artificial intelligence"
categories: ["Artificial intelligence", "Drug Research", "Pharmaceutical"]
image: "https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/1732987551719_a4CqrPjL.jpg?fit=1024%2C576&quality=89&ssl=1"
format: "news"
language: "en-GB"
---

# AI Revolution Transforms Drug Discovery and Big Pharmas Bottom Line

**Published:** December 16, 2024
**Author:** Stockmark.IT Website
**Categories:** Artificial intelligence, Drug Research, Pharmaceutical
**Featured image:** ![Two scientists in a lab, conducting research. from Stockmark.it](https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/1732987551719_a4CqrPjL.jpg?fit=1024%2C576&quality=89&ssl=1)

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Artificial intelligence is revolutionising pharmaceutical research, offering groundbreaking opportunities for drug discovery whilst potentially saving billions in development costs. Leading pharmaceutical giants GSK and AstraZeneca are at the forefront of this technological transformation, leveraging AI to accelerate drug development and uncover new applications for existing medications.

GSK’s director of machine learning and artificial intelligence, Patrick Schwab, exemplifies this new breed of pharmaceutical researcher. Working remotely from Zurich, his team’s recent breakthrough revealed their shingles vaccine, Shingrix, could reduce dementia risks by 24%. This discovery, made possible through AI analysis of 100 million anonymised health records, demonstrates the technology’s capacity to process vast datasets rapidly and cost-effectively.

The financial implications for pharmaceutical companies are substantial. Traditional drug development typically costs £2.1 billion and spans a decade, with a 90% failure rate. AI-driven research significantly reduces these risks and timeframes. AstraZeneca’s strategic partnership with Absci, secured through a £190 million upfront payment, highlights the industry’s commitment to AI-powered drug discovery.

Robert Scott, GSK’s head of genetics and genomics, shares a compelling example of AI’s value proposition. When their type 2 diabetes drug targeting IL-18 protein failed clinical trials, AI analysis identified its potential application for eczema treatment. This pivot, now in phase 2 trials, demonstrates AI’s ability to salvage seemingly failed investments.

AstraZeneca’s collaboration with British tech firm Benevolent AI further illustrates the sector’s transformation. Their partnership focuses on identifying molecular targets for chronic kidney diseases and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with recent expansion into lupus and heart failure research.

The pharmaceutical industry’s embrace of AI represents a paradigm shift in drug development. As companies continue to invest in this technology, the potential for faster, more cost-effective drug discovery could reshape the future of healthcare whilst delivering substantial returns for investors.

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**Original URL:** https://stockmark.it/ai-revolution-transforms-drug-discovery-and-big-pharmas-bottom-line/
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