The WHO on AI in Pharma: Power, Profit, and Global Risk
This World Health Organization (WHO) report explores the potential benefits and risks of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the creation and distribution of pharmaceuticals. It examines how AI is currently being used in the drug development lifecycle, from initial research to post-market monitoring, and considers the ethical challenges that arise. The report analyzes whether the commercial application of AI is truly beneficial for public health, highlighting potential biases and inequities. It also emphasizes the necessity of maximizing the positive public health outcomes of AI in pharmaceutical development while responsibly addressing risks and challenges. Governance of data, intellectual property, and private sector involvement is also discussed, along with regulatory oversight. The document concludes by outlining the next steps needed to ensure AI serves the public interest in the pharmaceutical field, emphasizing the importance of governance and ethical standards.