Big Data Hits “Primetime” at Janssen Pharmaceutical Co’s of J&J: Inside Their AI-Fueled R&D Approach

Looking for a high-level overview of all the ways data science is changing pharma R&D? Clinical trials are just part of it! Najat Khan, Chief Data Science Officer & Global Head of Strategy & Operations for R&D at the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, is here with the whole story about all the ways data, AI, and algorithms are making an impact on drug discovery and development. From being able to more accurately identify the unique proteins behind different diseases to being able to more rapidly build-and-test the molecules that could treat them, Najat gives us some for-instances that demonstrate how big data in healthcare has “turned the corner from concept to true, hard impact.”

The story behind the story comes in chapters. Says Najat, “You need better data, you need better algorithms, you need really fast compute, and, fourth, you actually need a push from organizations to try to do things in a different way.” We dive into each of these aspects and spend some extra time talking through how real-world data and real-world evidence are among the latest forces impacting R&D and how both pharma companies and regulators like the FDA are adapting.

If you’re not in pharma, but working elsewhere in the healthcare ecosystem and are thinking about how data and AI can fundamentally change your business processes or create a more personalized patient experience instead of a personalized medicine, this chat with Najat carries quite a bit of inspiration that can certainly carry over. And, as for what’s next – particularly as generative AI becomes an increasingly hot topic across all technology-based businesses both in and out of healthcare – we get Najat’s input on how that tech is already making an impact and will she thinks will be the next ‘next thing’ to shape the future of pharma R&D.

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Jessica DaMassa, the emerging ‘It girl’ of health tech interviewing, chats it up with the ‘who’s who’ of the health tech and healthcare innovation set on 'WTF Health - What's the Future, Health?' Catch 100's of interviews with leading health tech startups and the VC investors, health insurance companies, big pharma co's, and hospital systems helping bring their new ideas into the healthcare establishment. From AI and Big Data to digital health, virtual care, telehealth, digital therapeutics, payment model innovation, and investing, Jessica helps you spot the trends and figure out what’s next.

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