From Molecules To Markets: Pioneering a New Era in Life Sciences Advancements

What if 250 years of research could be done in 25 years? What if drug discovery could be 1000 times faster? What if diseases can be detected using radio waves? This future is not science fiction; it is the reality we are living in today, shaped by the revolutionary power of or . Driven by AI's immense potential, the industry is undergoing a profound transformation. From drug discovery to genomic sequencing, AI is propelling breakthroughs and streamlining processes across the sector.

CEOs are taking note, as remarkable advancements in AI and deep learning fuel innovation. For example, according to EY's survey of 1,200 CEOs worldwide, an overwhelming 98% plan to actively engage in AI-related M&A activity. To be sure, this AI revolution is not confined to mature biotech or large global pharmaceutical companies. Fast-moving agile start-ups and scaling biotech companies are propelling the industry forward.

Companies such as Atomwise and Exscientia are harnessing AI to analyze molecular interactions and identify promising compounds. Take, for example, Exscientia: their AI pinpointed a potential Alzheimer's drug in just 12 months , a significant improvement compared to the industry's average of 4-5 years. In another example, a collaboration between Insilico Medicine and researchers from the University of Toronto led to a potential new drug in a mere 46 days .

These milestones underscore AI’s transformative role in drug discovery.

In fact, AI is even conceiving new drugs never seen before. Biotech labs are utilizing generative AI, the same technology behind text-to-image models, to invent ground-breaking pharmaceuticals. For example, Generate Biomedicines, a Boston-based start-up, showcased its program called Chroma , hailed as the "DALL-E of biology." This integration of AI automation throughout the drug development pipeline holds the promise of faster and more cost-effective pharmaceuticals.

Another example is how digital pathology has made early detection and precision medicine a reality. Companies such as PathAI, Proscia, PAIGE.AI, Inspirata, and DeepLens have leveraged AI tools to detect and diagnose various cancer subtypes . Additionally, AI is supporting tasks such as electronic data capture to minimize human errors during data collection and facilitate seamless integration with other databases.

In genomics and biotechnology, AI facilitates rapid analysis and insight extraction from vast datasets. Companies leverage AI to correlate DNA patterns from databases with disease risk and drug efficacy across different populations, supporting the advancement of precision medicine and tailored treatments.

What does the AI revolution mean for the future of life sciences talent?

The Future of Life Sciences with Human-AI Collaboration

As AI takes center stage in the life sciences industry, it is bound to reshape traditional business models and redefine the nature of work . According to a McKinsey study , AI could automate up to 50% of data science tasks in biopharma R&D. These advances combined with new wearable technologies could revolutionize the clinical trial process. For instance, we could envision a more decentralized and virtual clinical trial process powered by AI and wearables, allowing trials with more diverse patient populations compared to in-person studies.

However, such progress requires investments not just in digital infrastructure but also in data analytics talent. The life sciences workforce will require enhanced capabilities in areas such as AI, machine learning, and data science. To thrive in this new era, companies will need to retrain their scientists and engineers to leverage AI effectively.

Not surprisingly a Deloitte survey reveals that AI, ML, and BI are among the top priorities for biopharma and medtech executives in 2023. In fact, CFOs are already gearing up for an AI-centric future by increasing budgets for both technology infrastructure and talent. While new tech can create novel value propositions, realizing the full potential of AI requires the right talent with the right skills. This entails technical experts capable of designing, developing, and deploying AI solutions, as well as business leaders who can comprehend the strategic implications of AI, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration.

This means tapping into a mix of expertise from various fields, including biology, chemistry, data science, engineering, and business. As AI reshapes the life sciences workforce, roles will evolve, skillsets will need to be acquired, new business opportunities will arise, and collaborations with vendors and partners will be essential.

To realize the full potential of today's transformative era, life sciences companies must address the following key questions:

• Life science companies are fishing in the same pool as other industries for digital and tech talent – how will they differentiate?
• As companies tap into global talent location may matter less – but as life sciences clusters consolidate will location matter even more?
• In silico and virtual labs will reshape lab environments – but will this mean scientific spaces need more investment not less?
• With the rise of remote work, workplace, office, and HQ footprints may shrink – but will future workplaces need to do more not less?
• And while AI has the potential to accelerate business – can facilities and operations keep up and move at the pace of business?

How are life companies responding to these paradigm shifts?

Optimizing the Lab for Scientific Advancement

The impact of technology is evident in the design and functionality of scientific spaces, or lab spaces. These spaces are undergoing a transformation to become more flexible, collaborative, and data-driven. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are among the evolving technologies that are fueling these changes. Major life sciences companies are already adapting their lab spaces to meet the demands of the digital age.

One of the primary trends in lab design involves integrating technology into the physical environment, granting researchers easier access to data analysis and sharing. For example, many life sciences majors have a network of digital labs across the globe, empowering scientists with artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, and other advanced technologies to accelerate drug discovery and development. These networked labs facilitate collaboration and communication across teams and locations through interactive screens and video conferencing systems.

Another trend focuses on transitioning from fixed to flexible lab spaces, allowing for reconfiguration and customization based on the needs of specific projects and disciplines. This enables more efficient resource utilization and fosters creativity and innovation. For example, a Swiss multinational healthcare company transformed its lab spaces for quick and easy adaptation. The laboratory area experiences frequent changes, particularly in the allocation of common areas and bio-safety level 2 facilities. To accommodate these dynamic needs, the lab utilizes flexible system partition walls that can be repositioned while the laboratory is still in operation.

Life sciences lab spaces are being elevated by AR and VR technologies by providing new tools for visualization, simulation, training, and communication. Pfizer has used AR to diagnose, maintain and repair its laboratory and manufacturing equipment – even when +80% of employees were working remotely. Novartis has used VR to bring 3D molecular structures to life, accelerating early-stage drug discovery with solutions from Nanome and Oculus . Danish start-up Labster offers a platform enabling students and educators to access virtual labs, simulating real-life experiments in various life sciences fields.

Sustainability and wellness principles are also being incorporated into lab design, aiming to reduce environmental impact and enhance employee health and productivity. Roche 's innovation center in Basel, Switzerland, serves as a prime example, featuring energy-efficient design, ample natural light, and green spaces. Additionally, the center offers amenities such as fitness facilities, cafeterias, and lounges to promote well-being and socialization among staff.

Life sciences headquarters spaces are changing, here’s how.

Reimagining HQ for Efficiency, Sustainability, and Innovation

The convergence of AI, digital technology, talent preferences, sustainability, and other themes has meant life sciences companies must reimagine their headquarters. HQs are now to be more global, connected, people-focused, and optimized than ever before. Companies are now exploring alternative locations for their headquarters to tap into cost savings, tax benefits, regulatory incentives, and talent pools in emerging markets.

Proximity to talent plays a key role. For example, Takeda recently joined Pfizer, Moderna, Teva, Bayer, and other major life sciences companies in Kendall Square - a hub for life sciences companies. A key rationale for this move is the proximity to premier life sciences talent.

Hybrid work is influencing HQ decision-making. For example, GSK recently optimized its workplaces and has provided employees with more flexibility in deciding where, when, and how they will work.

The creation of hubs to leverage the start-up ecosystem is another influencer. Pfizer has established distinct "Healthcare Hubs " across its global locations, such as New York, London, Berlin, Tel Aviv, Stockholm, Sydney, and Toronto dedicated to providing support to healthcare and technology start-ups.

HQs will need to emphasize experience, innovation, and collaboration. Recently implemented headquarters spaces often feature open spaces, flexible workstations, abundant natural light, green elements, and wellness facilities.

Sustainability is a central theme in these new workspaces. For example, at Sanofi’s Paris HQ, apart from supporting new ways of working, each employee’s carbon footprint is significantly lower.

At the same time, HQs are being reimagined with people-focused amenities. For example, Pfizer ’s new HQ includes several spaces for relaxation, entertainment, coffee bars, cafes, a fitness center, a wellness studio, mothers’ rooms, and more.

Smart sensors and interactive platforms are incorporated into the design. For example, Roche's HQ tower in Switzerland employs a smart building management system for energy efficiency and security. The building’s digital twin will be used for tasks such as predictive maintenance.

Services and operations are becoming more dynamic and data-driven. Dynamic workplace management emphasizing employee health, wellness, work-life balance, and regenerative design will be essential to boost productivity, creativity, and retention.

In the future, life sciences HQs are expected to become more adaptive. Life Sciences HQs serve as nerve centers of innovation and collaboration, housing research and development centers, laboratories, manufacturing plants, and distribution networks. These headquarters also host events engaging stakeholders, such as conferences, workshops, and community outreach programs. In the future, they may become even more connected and collaborative with external partners, fostering stronger ties with academia, biotech start-ups, healthcare providers, and patients.

Looking Ahead: Leading The Way

The convergence of AI and life sciences heralds a new era, catapulting us from molecules to markets at an unprecedented speed. The transformative power of AI is unlocking unimaginable opportunities, revolutionizing drug discovery, optimizing lab spaces, and reimagining headquarters. With AI as our ally, we can compress centuries of research into mere decades, achieving breakthroughs that save lives and elevate humanity.

To realize this vision, nurturing talent and fostering a culture of innovation will be paramount. Scientific spaces, headquarters, and dynamic operations will all play a pivotal role as centers of innovation and collaboration. Modernizing these facilities to be more adaptive, technology-embedded, and conducive to human connection will be critical. Harnessing the synergy of Human-AI collaboration, we’re poised to make ground-breaking discoveries, expedite drug development, and bring transformative healthcare solutions to people worldwide.

The journey from molecules to markets is accelerating like never before. Operations, facilities, and real estate stand as crucial enablers in this voyage.

The question remains: how will you lead the charge?

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About the author: Ram Srinivasan is a Future of Work Thought Leader, Future of Work Practice Leader for JLL Americas, and former Deloitte Management Consultant

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