Who Is Making AI Work in Drug R&D in 2025?
AI adoption in drug development is accelerating, with both major pharmaceutical companies (Big Pharma) and startups investing heavily in artificial intelligence platforms.234
By 2025, around 30% of new drugs are expected to be discovered using AI, which can reduce drug discovery costs and timelines by 25-50% in preclinical stages.4
Big Pharma is focusing on three main AI applications:
accelerating drug discovery, optimizing patient matching in clinical trials, and improving supply chain/manufacturing efficiency.3
Startups such as Unlearn and Exscientia are pioneering AI-driven drug discovery and trial optimization, using technology like digital twin models and Centaur Chemist to produce and validate drug candidates faster than traditional methods.12
FDA (CDER) has published draft guidance (2025) to support the use of AI for regulatory decision-making in drug development, confirming regulatory momentum and the industry's intent to mainstream AI.5
Industry experts emphasize that AI, although transformative, still faces challenges in data security, regulatory compliance, and workforce skills, but the momentum in 2025 is driving adoption at scale.14
Sources:
1. https://www.drugtargetreview.com/article/154981/how-ai-will-reshape-pharma-by-2025/
2. https://www.coherentsolutions.com/insights/artificial-intelligence-in-pharmaceuticals-and-biotechnology-current-trends-and-innovations
3. https://blog.pharmadiversityjobboard.com/?p=408
4. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/2025-can-be-a-pivotal-year-of-progress-for-pharma/
5. https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research-cder/artificial-intelligence-drug-development