AI Set to Revolutionize Drug Discovery, Experts Say

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Narendra Jijhontiya

AI Set to Revolutionize Drug Discovery, Experts Say

New Delhi, April 14: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to play a significant role in advancing drug discovery. Experts indicate that AI will aid in identifying precise medications and fostering an innovation-driven healthcare ecosystem.

Leaders in the pharmaceutical sector emphasized the need to redefine processes rather than merely digitizing existing systems. They highlighted the growing importance of a robust data and technology foundation for the widespread adoption of AI.

On the first day of the ninth ‘India Pharma 2026’ conference, four key plenary sessions brought together policymakers, industry leaders, regulators, and technology experts to outline the future of India’s pharmaceutical and life sciences ecosystem.

The inaugural session underscored the urgent need to bridge the gap between policy objectives and ground-level implementation.

Manoj Joshi, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, stressed the importance of industry-led models for research and development, strengthening the government laboratory network, and aligning regulatory models with European systems.

Rajiv Bahal, Secretary of the Department of Health Research, noted that while research funding has increased significantly in recent years, there is still a pressing need for a India-based research and development model that instills market confidence in innovators and fosters trust between industry and academia.

According to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, industry leaders emphasized the need to enhance venture capital participation and co-financing mechanisms to promote research-based enterprises. They also highlighted the importance of a strong integration between industry and academia to transform early-stage discoveries into global solutions.

The second session focused on developing a predictive, efficient, and globally aligned regulatory framework.

Dr. Rajiv Singh Raghuvanshi, the Drug Controller General of India, emphasized the importance of stakeholder consultation in shaping responsible regulatory systems.

The third plenary session explored the transformative potential of AI within the pharmaceutical value chain.

The fourth session concentrated on India’s growing role in the global contract research, development, and manufacturing organization (CRDMO) landscape.

The panel reported that India’s CRDMO industry, currently valued at approximately $8 billion, is growing at a robust rate of 10-12%, reflecting strong global outsourcing demand.

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