Steering GenAI into the pharma fast lane

ASCO 2026 once again had a marked impact, with this year’s theme being one of translation. As Costas Saratsis and Disha Srivastava say in their article: “What stood out most was how much smarter oncology is becoming in terms of when, why and how to treat. Across tumour types, discussions repeatedly returned to the same themes: intervening earlier, understanding disease more precisely, tailoring treatment more effectively and making better use of the tools available to clinicians.

“Ultimately, ASCO 2026 wasn't just about hazard ratios and first-in-class molecules. It was about exploring a broader question: how do we translate scientific progress into better outcomes for patients?” Find out more about the trends that stood out on page 16.

In our cover story this month, Danny Buckland looks at how industry needs to press the accelerator to adopt AI across functions to supercharge launch excellence.

As Danny says: “GenAI is already flourishing across drug discovery, clinical trials and healthcare system recalibration, but many fear its potential power is dissipating through a lack of co-ordinated application across departments. AI’s impact is accepted, but industry is being challenged to ensure that every aspect of business benefits, rather than admiring pilot schemes that are tested in isolation.” Read more on page 28.

Continuing the theme of launch excellence, the article from Sarah Rickwood and Kirstie Scott focuses on making launch more effective, precise, cost-effective and agile while launching into an AI-powered future that demands new thinking and new technologies. Pharmaceutical companies are launching more innovative products, but many of these products are individually smaller products facing faster, fiercer competition. Turn to page 30 to find out more.

In the article from Aleksandar Ruzicic on page 33, he focuses on the importance of ensuring launch excellence is agile, adaptive and agentic, saying: “Over time, the use of AI agents will support a broader range of launch processes and workflows, enabling teams to move faster, make more informed decisions and operate with greater efficiency.”

Our September issue will look at optimising HCP engagement – cutting through the information overload by maintaining a human connection. If you would like to make your voice heard on this topic, please get in touch at sales@pmlive.com

I hope you enjoy this issue!

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