August 1 - HealthTech Dose

In this enlightening episode, we explore the transformative impact of AI in pharmaceutical R&D with two industry experts who delve into the critical challenges and opportunities facing the sector. The discussion begins with groundbreaking applications of AI in early disease detection, highlighting revolutionary work at Scripps Research and WashU Medicine. We examine how AI is reshaping clinical trials through remote study designs and enhanced patient stratification, while also addressing the crucial challenge of building internal AI expertise. The conversation covers practical strategies for implementing AI solutions, from ensuring transparency and explainability to fostering human-centric design approaches. The speakers share valuable insights on overcoming adoption barriers, building trust among healthcare professionals, and developing the necessary organizational capabilities. This episode is essential listening for pharmaceutical R&D executives, healthcare technology leaders, and anyone interested in the intersection of AI and drug development.

**Highlights:**

[00:00] - Setting the stage for AI's revolutionary role in pharmaceutical R&D

[02:31] - Exploring Scripps Research's breakthrough in AI-powered diabetes risk prediction

[03:38] - Examining WashU Medicine's Prognosia Breast technology and its impact on clinical trials

[06:34] - Discussing AI's role in improving data quality and regulatory submissions

[08:24] - Analyzing the success of digital health programs and remote patient monitoring

[10:53] - Addressing the critical challenges of AI adoption and trust-building in healthcare

[13:23] - Outlining five core strategies for successful AI implementation

[15:16] - Looking ahead at future trends and leadership implications in AI-driven R&D

Podcast created with NotebookLM

Source Articles Used for the podcast:

1. A consensus statement on the use of digital twins in medicine

   • https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-025-01897-4

2. AI model uses glucose spikes to reveal hidden diabetes risk before symptoms appear

   • https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-ai-glucose-spikes-reveal-hidden.html

3. AI-based breast cancer risk technology receives FDA Breakthrough Device designation

   • https://medicine.wustl.edu/news/ai-based-breast-cancer-risk-technology-receives-fda-breakthrough-device-designation/

4. Carbon and Travel Cost Reduction from Remote Medication Titration for Advanced Heart Failure: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

   • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cjca.2025.07.026

5. Credible inferences in microbiome research: ensuring rigour, reproducibility and relevance in the era of AI

   • https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-025-01100-9

6. Evaluation of the impact of artificial intelligence-assisted image interpretation on the diagnostic performance of clinicians in identifying endotracheal tube position on plain chest X-ray: a multi-case multi-reader study

   • https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-025-05566-6

7. Digital outdoor exercise program for obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial

   • https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2025.1654129

8. LLMs Show Promise, But Challenges Remain in Improving Inefficient Clinical Trial Screening

   • https://www.ajmc.com/view/llms-show-promise-but-challenges-remain-in-improving-inefficient-clinical-trial-screening

9. Mayo Clinic uses AI to achieve breakthrough in diagnosing cancers

   • https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/mayo-clinic-uses-ai-to-achieve-breakthrough-in-diagnosing-cancers/

10. NTT DATA: Is Healthcare Ready for AI Ambition to Be Reality?

    • https://healthcare-digital.com/technology-and-ai/ntt-data-healthcare-ready-ai-ambition-reality

11. Prediction of Overall and Relapse-Free Survival in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients Through Machine Learning-Based Clustering on Clinical Data

    • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clbc.2025.07.027

12. Rethinking Oncology Trials With a Statistical Methodology That Puts Patients First

    • https://www.appliedclinicaltrialsonline.com/view/rethinking-oncology-trials-with-a-statistical-methodology-that-puts-patients-first

13. Senior Project Builds Real-World AI Tool

    • https://drexel.edu/news/archive/2025/July/Senior-Project-Builds-Real-World-AI-Tool

14. Survey on the perceptions of Asian endoscopists to artificial intelligence

    • https://doi.org/10.1038/s43856-025-01030-2

15. Why Are We Talking About Pragmatic Trials?

    • https://rethinkingclinicaltrials.org/chapters/design/what-is-a-pragmatic-clinical-trial/what-is-a-pragmatic-clinical-trialv2/

16. Trust in Artificial Intelligence–Based Clinical Decision Support Systems Among Health Care Workers: Systematic Review

    • https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e69678

17. User-Centered Refinement of a Digital Tool for Tuberculosis Treatment Support: Iterative Mixed Methods Study

    • https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e76742

18. Addressing Alzheimer's: Speech And Smell Tests May Help To Detect Cognitive Decline

    ◦ https://healthpolicy-watch.news/addressing-alzheimers-speech-and-smell-tests-may-help-to-detect-cognitive-decline/