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The role of enabling technologies in transforming drug development: Expert insight series
Go inside Accelerator™ Drug Development to discover how enabling technologies such as AI-powered analytics are transforming drug development by connecting teams, data, and workflows across every stage of the journey.
Advanced technologies are transforming drug development by creating a connected digital backbone that links discovery, development, clinical research, and manufacturing across the CDMO and CRO landscape. By enabling end-to-end data continuity, these technologies reduce information silos and provide real-time visibility across multiple teams. AI-powered analytics further enhance this ecosystem by shifting decision-making from reactive to proactive, helping customers make faster, more informed decisions throughout the drug development lifecycle.
The industry is also evolving from traditional vendor relationships to more collaborative, integrated partnerships. According to Zubair Kahn, Senior Manager, IT at Thermo Fisher Scientific, technology supports this transition by providing greater transparency, seamless data sharing, shared digital platforms, and coordinated project management that spans every phase and function of drug development. This also aligns with the growing trend toward co-development and shared ownership of outcomes, rather than simply assigning vendors specific tasks to complete.
AI is designed to augment—not replace—human decision-making
As AI adoption grows, Zubair emphasizes the importance of responsible implementation through human oversight, ethical governance, and robust validation and compliance frameworks. AI is designed to augment—not replace—human decision-making, while change management initiatives help build employee trust. Through Accelerator™ Drug Development, Thermo Fisher Scientific combines integrated data analytics, AI-enabled scenario planning, and resource optimization to support smarter decision-making. The result is more efficient, effective programs.
Key takeaways on how enabling technologies affect drug development:
- End-to-end digital connectivity reduces data silos and improves collaboration
- AI enables faster, smarter decisions with proactive, data-driven insights
- Integrated partnerships increase transparency, data sharing, and collaboration
- Responsible AI relies on human oversight, governance, and bias awareness
- Accelerator™ Drug Development embraces enabling technology at every step
Expert:
Zubair Kahn, Senior Manager, IT, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Zubair Khan is Senior Manager, IT at Thermo Fisher Scientific, focused on the digital technologies that connect teams, data, and decisions across drug development and clinical research. His work supports greater visibility and collaboration through integrated digital platforms, data analytics, and AI-enabled insights, with an emphasis on responsible AI use, human oversight, governance, and informed decision-making.
This is part of a larger series, “Expert Perspective: Inside Accelerator™ Drug Development.” Watch the full video featuring seven industry-leading, cross-functional experts here.