Novo Nordisk Partners With OpenAI to Accelerate Drug Development
Novo Nordisk partners with OpenAI to apply AI across drug discovery, manufacturing, and operations, with full deployment planned by the end of 2026.
Drugmaker Novo Nordisk said April 14 it is partnering with OpenAI to apply artificial intelligence across drug discovery and business operations.
The company said the collaboration will use advanced AI to analyze complex datasets, identify drug candidates, and reduce the time required to move treatments from research to patient use, according to its official announcement.
Novo said the partnership will integrate OpenAI’s AI capabilities across its global operations, including research, manufacturing, supply chain, distribution, and commercial functions.
Chief Executive Officer Mike Doustdar said the company is applying AI to improve how it discovers and develops treatments. He said the technology allows researchers to analyze data at a larger scale, identify patterns, and test hypotheses more quickly.
Doustdar said there are therapies yet to be discovered for patients with obesity and diabetes, and the company is using AI to accelerate the search for new treatment options.
OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman said AI can support scientific discovery and improve health outcomes. He said the collaboration will help accelerate research and improve how global operations are run.
Novo said OpenAI will support workforce development by helping employees build AI skills and improve productivity across teams. The company said it is expanding AI use across departments through training and internal adoption.
The company said pilot programs will begin across research and development, manufacturing, and commercial operations. It said full integration of AI systems is planned by the end of 2026.
Novo said the partnership includes data protection, governance, and human oversight to ensure compliant use of AI systems across its operations.
The company said the collaboration builds on its existing AI initiatives, which include work with technology partners and research organizations to develop AI capabilities.
Novo said it employs about 68,800 people across 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. The company said it is focused on developing treatments for chronic diseases, including diabetes and obesity.
The partnership applies AI across both scientific research and operational processes as the company expands its use of digital tools across its global business.