How Artificial Intelligence will Transform the Pharmaceutical Industry Over the Next Decade

At Acadia Pharmaceuticals, there is a strong commitment to harnessing technology and data to accelerate our mission of turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. With experience across data, information technology, security and artificial intelligence, I see this as a pivotal moment not just for Acadia but for the entire pharmaceutical industry.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming an essential tool in biopharma, from drug discovery and clinical development to medical affairs and commercialization. It is fundamentally reshaping how organizations discover, develop and deliver medicines. We are already seeing the tangible impact from generative AI and predictive modeling in areas like clinical trial optimization, patient recruitment, medical writing, and triggers for field-based customer engagement.

Where is the Real Promise of AI Use in Biotech?

While AI technologies are already helping us work smarter, faster and with greater precision, the real promise lies in their potential to unlock new insights from the vast amounts of scientific, clinical and real-world data we generate every day. These insights can lead to more targeted therapies, better outcomes for patients, and a deeper understanding of disease.

The companies that succeed in this new era will be those that can bridge the gap between data, technology and business, and embed AI across functions in ways that directly support business objectives.

Why is Human Oversight Essential for Effective AI in Pharma?

Data is the foundation of every scientific and operational decision we make, so it must be accurate, reliable and well-governed. That is why at Acadia we are investing in strong data governance frameworks and fostering a culture of accountability where every colleague understands their role in maintaining data integrity and quality.

Keeping humans at the center extends far beyond data management. It means ensuring that technology serves people, not the other way around. AI can process vast amounts of information, identify patterns and generate predictions that are incredibly useful to our business. But it cannot replicate human empathy, creativity or the nuanced understanding of patient needs that comes from lived experience. In a field like ours, these qualities are critical.

What Security Challenges Does AI Introduce to Pharma?

With the rise of AI comes new security challenges. The threat landscape is evolving rapidly as cybercriminals use AI to launch more sophisticated attacks, from phishing to ransomware and beyond. In pharma, the stakes are especially high because we are protecting not only intellectual property, but also sensitive patient information and clinical data.

I’m energized by the possibilities that lie ahead for Acadia and for our industry. AI is not a silver bullet, but it is a powerful catalyst for change. By keeping humans at the center, enabling data to be leveraged by both people and machines, and staying vigilant about security, we can harness advanced technologies such as AI to transform how we work and the impact we have on patients’ lives.

The future is bright, and it’s truly a privilege to help lead Acadia into this new era of innovation.