Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the pharmaceutical industry. At Novo Nordisk, a leader in diabetes and cardiometabolic care, AI is a strategic part of drug discovery, clinical trials, and patient care. Here’s how this approach is revolutionizing processes.

Why AI in Healthcare?

Traditional methods of analyzing clinical data, designing trials, and discovering new drug targets are often time-intensive and limited by human capacity. With the sheer volume and complexity of modern data - spanning genetics, proteomics, imaging, and real-world observations - Novo Nordisk recognizes that AI is essential. These advanced tools not only improve efficiency but also enable breakthroughs previously not thought possible.

Karin Conde-Knape, Senior Vice President of Global Drug Discovery, says that AI is "a way to potentiate what we can do as humans, what we can do as scientists, not only better, but also faster." By uncovering patterns in vast datasets and accelerating the validation of discoveries, AI is redefining how chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions are understood and treated.

Key Innovations

Novo Nordisk employs AI across its entire value chain. Some key innovations include:

• Data Integration and Insights: Novo Nordisk has harmonized data from over 1,600 clinical trials into a centralized, cloud-based platform. This infrastructure makes it easy for researchers to connect diverse datasets, run advanced analytics, and uncover new insights.
• Predictive Models: In partnership with Microsoft, the company developed an algorithm that predicts cardiovascular disease risk with 8% greater accuracy than current clinical standards. Such models enable more precise interventions and improve patient outcomes.
• AI-Powered Drug Discovery: Using generative AI and high-throughput experimentation, Novo Nordisk screened billions of virtual molecules to identify a first-of-its-kind amylin-selective compound. This innovation required fewer resources and achieved results in record time.
• Automation in Reporting: NovoScribe, an in-house AI tool, automates the generation of regulatory documents. This reduces production time by 70%, allowing faster submissions and reviews.

Collaboration and Scalability

Novo Nordisk’s collaboration with Microsoft exemplifies how partnerships can amplify innovation in healthcare. Together, they developed an AI platform that unifies data, provides advanced analytics tools, and fosters collaboration among scientists and data experts. Features like centralized governance and reusable reasoning templates ensure the platform adapts to evolving research needs while maintaining transparency.

Benefits for Patients

By effectively utilizing AI, Novo Nordisk aims to deliver more personalized and effective treatments. Predictive models enhance disease risk assessment, while streamlined processes mean faster delivery of life-saving therapies. As Karin Conde-Knape notes, AI represents the future of medicine, driving higher quality, speed, and innovation.

Looking Ahead

Novo Nordisk’s commitment to AI and data science is setting new benchmarks in healthcare innovation. As they continue to explore areas like quantum computing and digital twins, the possibilities for groundbreaking discoveries seem boundless.

This is just the beginning of AI's impact on healthcare. With companies like Novo Nordisk leading the way, the future of medicine is not only more efficient but also more patient-centered and precise.

For more information, please visit:

Novo Nordisk - Capital Markets Day 2024 - Break-out session - Data Science and AI
Video | Presentation (PDF)

Transforming drug discovery: Novo Nordisk uses the power of AI and Azure with Microsoft Research