Novo Nordisk taps OpenAI

Novo Nordisk said Tuesday it is partnering with OpenAI to use generative artificial intelligence across drug discovery, manufacturing, supply chains and commercial work. (cnbc.com) The Danish drugmaker said the tools will help it analyze complex datasets, spot promising drug candidates and shorten the time from research to patient use. Chief Executive Mike Doustdar said people with obesity and diabetes still need more treatment options. (cnbc.com) Novo said it will roll out pilot programs this year in research and development, manufacturing and commercial operations, with broader integration planned by the end of 2026. The company also said the deal includes workforce upskilling, strict data governance and human oversight. (finance.yahoo.com) Drug discovery often starts with huge sets of lab, clinical and genetic data that researchers have to sort for useful patterns. Novo is betting language models can work like fast research assistants across those files, while also helping with factory planning and supply-chain decisions. (cnbc.com) The deal lands as drugmakers race to use artificial intelligence beyond early research and into day-to-day operations. Bloomberg reported Novo did not disclose financial terms and said the OpenAI tie-up adds to an earlier artificial intelligence partnership with Nvidia focused on research. (bloomberg.com) Novo is making the move during a tougher stretch for its core obesity business. CNBC reported in February that Eli Lilly had taken about 60% of the weight-loss market, while Novo held roughly 40%, according to most estimates. (cnbc.com) Investors initially welcomed the announcement. Novo Nordisk’s United States-listed shares were up about 3% in early trading Tuesday, according to CNBC market data. (cnbc.com) For Novo, the pitch is speed: find medicines faster, make them more efficiently and get them to patients sooner. The first test will be whether this year’s pilot programs produce results the company can scale across its business. (finance.yahoo.com)