AI moves from pilot phase to core pharma operations

Clinical trials and recruitment are key AI growth areas.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved from pilot projects to active deployment across the pharmaceutical industry, especially in drug discovery, clinical trials, and medical writing, according to GlobalData.

In its State of the Biopharmaceutical Industry 2026 (Mid-Year Update) report, GlobalData found that out of 157 pharma professionals surveyed, 34% already use AI in specific functions, while another 25% said they are currently running pilots or proof-of-concept programs.

Drug discovery is the leading use case, with 59% citing it as the top AI application, followed by clinical trial design and recruitment at 45%, and medical writing at 41%, according to Gaffar Aga, pharma analyst at GlobalData.

“The findings reflect an industry that is embedding AI where it delivers measurable value rather than instituting a general company-wide rollout,” he said.

AI is being used to scan large datasets to identify drug targets, predict safety and efficacy, and speed up early-stage research before lab testing. It is also helping improve clinical trial recruitment by analyzing patient records for better matching.

The report noted that more AI-driven drugs are expected to reach the market as technology improves and regulatory frameworks mature. AI is also speeding up regulatory and clinical documentation, reducing time to submission.

“Companies are not trying to transform everything at once; they are identifying the functions where AI already delivers a clear return on investment, with the ability to track impact and efficiencies,” Aga said.

Surveyed professionals also reported strong expectations for productivity and cost benefits. About 31% forecast 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% expect cuts of 11–20%.

Aga also noted regional differences, with Asia-Pacific more optimistic on cost savings and Europe more cautious. “These findings demonstrate that AI is already generating real-world impact, with companies continuing to embed AI-driven tools across wider operations.”