Introduction to Generative AI in Life Sciences
How GenAI can support early drug discovery, personalized medicine, and redefine medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health
By Collin Burdick, Randi Cowin, Joe Kim, and Amber Sexton
The inherent intricacies of biological systems, increasingly specialized patient cohorts, and a competitive landscape necessitate evolution beyond traditional discovery and development paradigms within the life sciences industry. To undergo this transformation, we currently stand on the precipice of revolutionary innovation with Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) which is set to reshape the research and development (R&D) landscape. In a world of organ-on-a-chip technology, machine-generated data, and decentralized clinical trials, a cohesive and scalable R&D strategy that integrates GenAI will drive towards delivering promising outcomes for many.
GenAI is the latest evolution of AI with a capability to understand and stimulate biological scale of early drug discovery and development over time. Imagine an AI model that could effortlessly transition between analyzing genetic sequences, cellular interactions, organ systems, or even entire ecological systems, all while keeping a temporal perspective. This model would not only provide a unified view of life processes but could also lead to innovative solutions for complex biological problems. As business leaders, understanding the value of this disruptive technology — and its potential to offer a competitive advantage — is integral and worthy of prioritization.
Integration of GenAI within early drug discovery and development
Drug discovery is a combination of science and art. Each new molecule is unique, requiring novel science, resources, and teams. Finding potential therapeutics often involves filtering thousands of molecules. The R&D workflow, still largely trial-and-error, can benefit from this digital integration. Productivity facilitators foster a paradigm shift in R&D team skill sets, augmenting efficiencies and bolstering decision-making processes. These algorithms operate as analytical aids, sifting through data and previous publications — akin to a team of analytical interns, repurposing existing knowledge through a lens of critical thinking. Their role, however, remains supportive; they do not directly contribute to the end-product or influence the patient/healthcare provider (HCP) experience.
At the other end of the spectrum, full product integrators encapsulate AI systems that are intrinsic to the end-product offering. An ambitious instance of this integration is real-time treatment recommendations generated by an AI system, necessitating substantial innovation and planning.
Fusing these two approaches could create both productivity tools and disruptive technologies. With their ability to support and mold the process of scientific discovery and its products, the systems symbolize a shift to R&D.
However, despite these promising prospects, existing technologies are not primed to support such ambitious AI integrations. Large language models (LLMs) or GenAI systems must be developed anew, designed to navigate diverse biological scales, assimilate human knowledge, and transmute it into actionable insights. The objective is to cultivate GenAI models that guide towards unbiased measurements, eliminating practices like p-hacking (the misuse of data analysis) and data manipulation. When we consider the application of AI in life sciences R&D, it’s critical to remember that these technologies are being integrated into a shifting landscape. The introduction of AI doesn’t just add another tool to the toolbox. It fundamentally transforms the landscape, requiring new ways of thinking, planning, and executing research.
Impact of personalized medicine with GenAI
When we consider the rise of precision medicine (identification of biomarkers to diagnose, monitor, and assess the effectiveness of intervention), GenAI can enable the review and analysis of vast amount of data in moments. In fact, with the application of appropriate biological validation tools, GenAI may proffer innovative compounds and solutions. Given that even the most successful drugs are only beneficial for roughly 30% of patients, GenAI can aid in determining which existing drugs are efficacious for specific patients. This can be accomplished using self-supervised learning and data derived from genomics, patient transcription, compliance, and diagnostic results.
In addition, the adoption of GenAI in life sciences provides an opportunity for more objective and unbiased data interpretation. As it stands, conventional research methods are susceptible to biases and malpractices. By deploying GenAI systems that guide towards unbiased measurements, we open a path to more reliable, replicable, and valid outcomes. Soon, we anticipate that GenAI will not only help R&D researchers with drug formulation decisions but will also play a role in helping HCPs with clinical care delivery decisions. Essentially, GenAI can enable HCPs and life sciences organizations to create a more personalized experience for patients.
GenAI transcends beyond molecule development
The integration of GenAI and other AI technologies are beginning to redefine medical devices, diagnostics, and even digital health. Medical devices enhanced by AI are revolutionizing healthcare, evolving from tools to partners in care delivery. San Francisco Bay Area life sciences leaders recently gathered at a Slalom roundtable discussion to share insights and solve for challenges around AI in the industry. During the discussion, the CEO of a MedTech organization shared:
“We’re moving towards a system where AI enhances human abilities, with personalized healthcare solutions and smart devices assisting in surgical procedures based on individual patient needs.”
In the diagnostics sector, AI’s impact is equally transformative. AI’s strength in handling vast amounts of data has been instrumental in driving breakthroughs in genomics and personalized medicine. It’s not just about faster diagnosis; it’s about accurate and early detection. AI is rapidly becoming an “added intelligence capability” in our fight against diseases, improving prognosis, and allowing for timely interventions. In digital health, powered by AI, we are seeing a transformation in healthcare accessibility. Telemedicine platforms and self-management applications, powered by AI, are making healthcare more accessible than ever. By making it possible to monitor and manage health conditions remotely, AI is fostering a level of patient empowerment unseen before.
Though to fully leverage AI within product early discovery, we need to nurture a culture of experimentation, exploring new ideas and encouraging failures. Asking stakeholders who understand the business, have the skills, and possess the mindset to ask the right questions will truly revolutionize the life sciences organization’s AI strategy. As a CEO at a digital health company noted at the same event:
“We need to embrace AI’s potential and avoid being overly concerned about the possible challenges.”
Call to action for all life sciences innovators
The emergence of GenAI is much more than a mere technological advancement; whether one is a pharmaceutical industry professional, researcher, or patient, the potential benefits of AI disruption are profound. As we delve into the integration of GenAI within life sciences, we are met with various challenges and hurdles, but as we learn to overcome these barriers the potential of GenAI is undeniable.
For life sciences innovators, your role today is not merely to spectate but to seize this opportunity, to mold it to your advantage, and to lead your organization into an era marked by revolutionary progress. We extend an invitation for you to join us in this transformation. Let’s pool our collective expertise, insights, and innovative spirit to harness the true potential of GenAI. At Slalom, we are not simply watching the horizon; we are actively charting the course to it. Your organization forms a pivotal part of this journey, too. The stage is set for action, and together, we can bring about groundbreaking strides within the life sciences R&D landscape.
Slalom is a global consulting firm that helps people and organizations dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows for all. Learn more and reach out today.
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