AI Set to Improve Pharmaceutical R&D Productivity and Lower the Costs Says GlobalData
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly reduce pharmaceutical R&D costs by streamlining drug discovery, optimizing clinical trials, and minimizing costly failures through data-driven predictions and effectiveness assessments. This potential was acknowledged by the pharmaceutical industry professionals in a survey* conducted by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s report, “The State of the Biopharmaceutical Industry - 2025,” reveals that although opinions varied, the respondents agreed that AI can increase R&D productivity and reduce costs in the next 12 months.
Selected Survey Results
Urte Jakimaviciute, Senior Director of Market Research and Strategic Intelligence in the healthcare division at GlobalData, comments: “Enhancing productivity in pharmaceutical R&D is fundamental as it accelerates the development of new drugs, enabling companies to innovate more effectively, respond to emerging medical needs, and maintain a competitive edge in a fast-evolving market while addressing the rising costs and lengthy timelines that threaten long term sustainability.
Improving productivity is also vital as it aligns with the broader trend of AI adoption across industries, pushing pharmaceutical companies to integrate advanced technologies to remain competitive and keep up with digitalization trends.”
In the same survey, pharmaceutical industry professionals identified lead generation and optimization in drug discovery as the area in which AI has been most effectively integrated. This result was followed by target identification—another crucial process in R&D.
Jakimaviciute concludes: “While AI’s role in drug discovery is still evolving, with many drugs still being in discovery or early stages of clinical trials, increasing numbers of AI-discovered drugs are expected to enter the markets in the future. This growth will be driven by the ongoing need to enhance efficiency and speed in the process, cost-effectiveness factors, and continuous advancements in AI itself, as well as increasing regulatory acceptance towards the use of technologies.”
*GlobalData’s survey fielded with 128 GlobalData pharmaceutical industry professionals between 15 November to 04 December 2024.
About GlobalData
4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis, and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology, and professional services sectors.
Source: Global Data
