Artificial intelligence has moved from pilot projects to active deployment across the pharmaceutical industry, with 34% of pharma professionals already using AI in specific functions and another 25% running pilots or proof-of-concept programs, according to a GlobalData survey of 157 industry professionals. The shift signals a focus on measurable value in drug discovery, clinical trials, and medical writing, where companies are embedding AI to speed research and cut costs.
Where AI is making an impact
Drug discovery leads as the top application, cited by 59% of respondents, followed by clinical trial design and recruitment at 45%, and medical writing at 41%, said Gaffar Aga, pharma analyst at GlobalData. AI scans large datasets to identify drug targets, predict safety and efficacy, and accelerate early-stage research. It is also improving trial recruitment by analyzing patient records for better matching.
"The findings reflect an industry that is embedding AI where it delivers measurable value rather than instituting a general company-wide rollout," Aga said.
Productivity gains and cost savings
Surveyed professionals expect significant returns. About 31% forecast that AI will increase R&D productivity by 11-20% over the next year, while 30% expect gains of 5-10%. On cost savings, 38% anticipate reductions of 5-10%, and 22% project cuts of 11-20%.
Regional differences
Aga noted that Asia-Pacific professionals are more optimistic about cost savings, while European respondents are more cautious. "These findings demonstrate that AI is already generating real-world impact, with companies continuing to embed AI-driven tools across wider operations," he said. The report also indicated that more AI-driven drugs are expected to reach the market as technology improves and regulatory frameworks mature.
Why this matters for operations professionals
The data shows AI moving from experimental to operational. For operations teams, the challenge shifts from testing tools to integrating them into everyday workflows and measuring performance. As AI becomes a standard part of pharma processes, operations leaders must build the capability to manage these transitions. Targeted AI for Operations Training can help professionals develop the skills to oversee deployment, track efficiency gains, and ensure teams adapt to AI-augmented workflows.
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