The world of drug discovery is changing fast, thanks to the incredible potential of artificial intelligence (AI). If you’re in the field, you know how costly and time-consuming research and development can be. AI is stepping in as a game-changer, promising to slash drug development time by nearly half while boosting accuracy in finding the right compounds. With global pharmaceutical R&D spending expected to top $230 billion by 2026, being efficient isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must.
AI is shifting drug discovery from a random search to a more thoughtful, design-driven process. This shift is sparking a lot of interest in how machine learning is being used in labs today, along with the challenges it brings. In a recent episode of Crowncast by Crown BioScience, Jonny McMichael talks with Kuan Yan, a Senior Principal Scientist, and Jordan Lim, an Associate Director of Digital Product. They dive into how AI is being used to automate workflows, optimize molecular design, and provide high-level insights in Contract Research Organizations (CROs), all while tackling regulatory and data privacy issues.
What stood out from their chat is how AI is speeding up the early stages of drug discovery—from identifying targets to generating and optimizing molecules. This cuts down development timelines significantly. But let’s not forget, human oversight is still crucial, especially in quality control, validation, and managing the risks that come with AI’s mysterious ‘black box’ nature.
Crown BioScience is leading the charge, developing internal AI frameworks to turn data into actionable insights, refine experimental designs, and ultimately deliver more value to clients. Jordan Lim, who has a bachelor’s and MBA from the University of California, San Diego, brings a unique perspective from his experience in patient advocacy, study coordination, and digital transformation. Meanwhile, Kuan Yan, with a master’s and PhD in bioimaging and image analysis from the University of Leiden, brings over 15 years of machine learning expertise to his role at Crown BioScience Netherlands.
