Novo Nordisk Signs OpenAI Deal to Bring Medicines to Patients Faster
Ozempic maker says pilots will start across R&D, manufacturing and commercial operations, with full integration due by end-2026
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[Image source: Krishna Prasad/MITSMR Middle East]
Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, said it has entered a strategic partnership with OpenAI to use artificial intelligence across its business, from drug discovery to manufacturing and commercial operations, as it seeks to bring new treatments to patients faster.
The Danish drugmaker said the partnership will use OpenAI’s technology to analyze complex datasets, identify promising drug candidates and improve efficiency in manufacturing, supply chain, distribution and corporate operations.
Pilot programs will begin across research and development, manufacturing and commercial operations, with full integration planned by the end of 2026.
The partnership has been structured with strict data protection, governance and human oversight to ensure ethical and compliant use, Novo Nordisk said.
OpenAI will also help the company upskill its global workforce and improve AI literacy.
Doustdar said AI could help employees analyze data at a scale that was previously not possible, identify patterns more quickly and test hypotheses faster, helping the company discover new therapies and move them to patients sooner.
In an interview with Reuters, he said the aim was not to replace scientists but to “supercharge” them.
“AI is reshaping industries and in life sciences, it can help people live better, longer lives,” OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman said. “This collaboration with Novo Nordisk will help them accelerate scientific discovery, run smarter global operations, and redefine the future of patient care.”
Novo Nordisk said the agreement builds on its existing AI initiatives with technology partners and research organizations.
The company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark, employs about 68,800 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries.
The announcement comes weeks after semaglutide’s core patent expired in India in March, prompting local drugmakers including Sun Pharma and Dr Reddy’s to introduce cheaper versions of the medicine.
