
Mission First: Pharma Should Partner, Not Build, Their AI Solutions
In the world of pharmaceuticals, the debate about whether to build or buy AI solutions is a critical one. As we navigate the complexities of developing innovative medicines and delivering patient care, it’s essential that pharma companies prioritize their core mission over internal software development.
While it’s technically possible for these organizations to create their own AI systems, doing so would be a misdirection of resources. Instead, they should leverage the expertise of specialized vendors who have already mastered the intricacies of AI solutions tailored to the pharmaceutical industry.
The “build or buy” dilemma is a familiar one in the tech space. However, pharma companies require a different approach. Their primary focus must always be on drug discovery and patient care, rather than diverting their attention towards AI development. This mission-critical focus demands that they stay adaptable, nimble, and innovative while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Moreover, attempting to build an AI system in-house can lead to unnecessary overhead costs, social costs, and operational burdens. By contrast, purchasing a solution reduces these expenses and streamlines operations, allowing internal teams to concentrate on innovation rather than tool maintenance.
In today’s fast-paced pharma landscape, companies cannot afford to divert their resources away from their core mission. Instead, they must prioritize leveraging specialized AI tools that have already been developed by industry experts. This approach enables them to stay focused on what truly matters: accelerating innovation and delivering better patient outcomes.
Ultimately, the decision to build or buy AI solutions is a critical one that is inextricably linked to a company’s mission. It’s time for pharma organizations to recognize that their primary responsibility lies not with developing software, but rather with making life-saving breakthroughs and improving patient care.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/03/31/mission-first-pharma-should-partner-not-build-their-ai-solutions/