How Artificial Intelligence is Revolutionizing Drug Development

The FDA drives the use of Artificial Intelligence in drug development. Learn how CDER regulates this innovation to create safe medicines.

Tirso NajeraApril 1, 2026
How Artificial Intelligence is Revolutionizing Drug Development

Hello again! Today we set aside specific drug approvals to talk about something bigger: the "machine" behind new discoveries. The FDA, through its Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), is focusing on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in medicine.

If you've ever wondered how technology accelerates the arrival of new cures, here's what the FDA is doing about it.

What's happening?

The FDA has officially recognized that the use of AI is increasing drastically throughout the entire "lifecycle" of a drug. It's no longer science fiction: from 2016 to 2023, the CDER received more than 500 applications for new drugs that included AI components.

The applications are vast:

  • Discovery: Finding new molecules and therapeutic targets.

  • Clinical Trials: Designing more efficient studies and analyzing real-world data.

  • Manufacturing: Improving quality and consistency in medicine production.

  • Post-commercialization: Monitoring drug safety once they reach the public.

The FDA's Position: Innovation with Safety

The FDA is not just observing; it's taking action. In January 2025, they published a key guide titled "Considerations for the use of Artificial Intelligence to support regulatory decision-making".

The central message is balance: they want to facilitate innovation while ensuring that medicines remain safe and effective. To achieve this, they have created the CDER AI Council, an body responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and ensuring that the use of these technologies is ethical and consistent.

Why does this matter to us?

For patients, this could mean shorter wait times to receive life-saving treatments. For healthcare professionals, it means more precise tools.

The FDA is working to build a flexible, risk-based regulatory framework. This means that the rules will adapt to how quickly technology advances, ensuring that patient safety is not sacrificed for speed.

In summary

Artificial intelligence is here to stay in medicine. With initiatives like the new AI Council and updated guidelines, the FDA ensures that this powerful tool is used responsibly for everyone's benefit.

What's next?

If you want to train your group of KOLs in impact communication and storytelling, we can have an exploratory call to understand your needs and make you a training proposal. Leaderlix trains leaders from the most emblematic companies in their industries in impactful presentations.

{% module_block module "widget_5bd3368d-4f05-4bff-85b5-75cd96b0494f" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "meeting" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"https://leaderlix.com/meetings/gerardo-betancourt/tu-llamada-exploratoria-fda"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}33947244299{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}

 

Get Started

Ready to take the first step?


Schedule a call