Novo partners with OpenAI

Novo Nordisk said Tuesday it is partnering with OpenAI to use artificial intelligence across drug discovery, manufacturing and commercial operations. (biospace.com) The Danish drugmaker said pilot programs will start in research and development, manufacturing and commercial teams, with full integration planned by the end of 2026. (rappler.com) Novo said OpenAI’s tools will be used to analyze large scientific datasets, identify possible drug candidates, and improve efficiency in supply chain, distribution and corporate operations. (cnbc.com) Drug development often means sorting through huge volumes of lab, clinical and manufacturing data to find weak signals worth testing in people. Novo said the partnership is meant to shorten that path from research to patient use. (cnbc.com) The deal lands as Novo tries to defend its position in obesity and diabetes medicines, where Eli Lilly has gained ground in the fast-growing weight-loss market. Reuters reported Novo has fallen behind Lilly in that market. (rappler.com) Novo Chief Executive Mike Doustdar said the plan is “not replacing our scientists” but “supercharging them,” and the company said OpenAI will help train Novo’s global workforce in artificial intelligence literacy. (rappler.com) Novo did not disclose financial terms of the agreement. Bloomberg reported the OpenAI deal adds to Novo’s existing artificial intelligence work, including a research-focused partnership with Nvidia announced last year. (bloomberg.com) The immediate test is not whether artificial intelligence can invent a medicine on its own, but whether Novo can use it to move faster through research, factories and internal workflows by the end of 2026. (computerweekly.com)