We investigated the state of artificial intelligence (AI) in pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) and outline here a risk and reward perspective regarding digital R&D. Given the novelty of the research area, a combined qualitative and quantitative research method was chosen, including the analysis of annual company reports, investor relations information, patent applications, and scientific publications of 21 pharmaceutical companies for the years 2014 to 2019. As a result, we can confirm that the industry is in an ‘early mature’ phase of using AI in R&D. Furthermore, we can demonstrate that, despite the efforts that need to be managed, recent developments in the industry indicate that it is worthwhile to invest to become a ‘digital pharma player’.

我们调查了药物研发 (R&D) 中的人工智能 (AI) 状态，并在此概述了有关数字研发的风险和回报观点。鉴于研究领域的新颖性，选择了定性和定量相结合的研究方法，包括对21家制药公司2014年至2019年的年度公司报告、投资者关系信息、专利申请和科学出版物的分析。 结果，我们可以确认该行业处于在研发中使用人工智能的“早期成熟”阶段。此外，我们可以证明，尽管需要努力管理，但该行业的最新发展表明，投资成为“数字制药公司”是值得的。