Findings show that the population is concerned it is progressing too quickly for the necessary training to ensure these systems' safe utilisation. Furthermore, 49% of the public express concerns regarding the protection of health data in the context of AI-enhanced personalised medicine.
A survey by business insurer QBE, involving 2,000 UK citizens, explored their views on AI and personalised medicine—an approach tailored to patients' unique genetic profiles, lifestyle, and disease characteristics. Personalised medicine is an emerging segment of the life sciences sector, a significant contributor to the global economy. In 2023, it was estimated that one in every 121 employed individuals in the UK worked in the life sciences industry, adding over £13 billion to the economy.
The integration of AI into the life sciences is substantial, with half of the world's largest 50 pharmaceutical firms having partnerships or licensing agreements with AI companies. The AI in life sciences market is projected to reach $7.09 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.23%. The UK AI market, valued at over £16.8 billion, is expected to expand to £801.6 billion by 2035. Reports indicate the UK ranks third globally in AI, behind the US and China, with strong recommendations for its adoption in life sciences and other sectors as a vital economic driver.
QBE’s findings reveal that over a third (36%) of respondents are unaware of AI's role in personalised medicine, and nearly two-thirds (60%) are uninformed about its rapid adoption and integration. However, among the informed, a majority (54%) believe AI in personalised medicine will enhance healthcare treatment.
Pre-election polling highlights healthcare and the NHS as the second most critical issue for voters across the UK, with many prioritising it just behind the overall economy.
Sanofi, a multinational pharmaceutical company, has partnered with biotech firm Exscientia to develop new treatments for cancer and immune-related diseases. Leveraging Exscientia’s AI-based capabilities and personalised medicine platform, Sanofi’s scientists can test drug candidates against actual human tissue models, long before clinical trials commence. Sanofi has also collaborated with Insilico Medicine and Atomwise to accelerate drug development using their AI-driven platforms.
Paul Hudson, CEO of Sanofi said: “It’s clear that we stand at the crossroads of a great expansion in medical discoveries, but to take full advantage of AI, there are several challenges that will greatly impact the pharma industry’s ability to unlock potential. Regional differences in regulation will guide restrictions on where AI can be employed, standards, and what constitutes high-risk applications. Concerns about data quality, security, privacy, and trustworthiness have all threatened to slow the uptake of AI. Alliances and organisations are emerging to help companies self-regulate. Strong data foundations and governance will be critical to prevent vulnerabilities as many companies move to operationalise AI across their enterprises."
Vivan Therapeutics employs AI for personalised cancer treatments through its TuMatch software, which matches colorectal cancer patients’ unique tumour profiles with appropriate drug therapies. It replicates a patient’s genetic profile to screen thousands of drug combinations, providing tailored treatments.
“AI has the capacity to significantly enhance the precision and effectiveness of personalised medicine. By analysing vast amounts of data, AI can help tailor treatments to individual patients, improve outcomes and reduce side effects," said Laura Towart, CEO of Vivan Therapeutics. “It is essential that we educate the public about the benefits and safeguards associated with AI in personalised medicine. Our goal is to build trust by demonstrating the value and safety of AI technologies.”
“While AI holds great promise for enhancing personalised medicine and the life sciences industry, we must proceed with caution. Continuous review of AI systems is vital to identify and rectify any glitches that could jeopardise patient safety. Substantial training programs are necessary to ensure that healthcare professionals are proficient in using AI technologies correctly. AI will likely become a key aspect of risk management in life sciences, particularly around patient centricity," added Tim Galloway, QBE Europe’s Portfolio Manager Life Sciences. “By advocating for stringent risk mitigation strategies, patients will be better protected and help AI technologies deliver without unintended consequences. Navigating these uncharted waters will be challenging, requiring life sciences companies and professionals to embrace innovation while maintaining ethical, safety, and regulatory standards.”
Potential benefits of AI integration in life sciences include:
- Drug discovery and development
- Genomics and personalised medicine
- Medical device customisation
- Imaging and diagnostics
- Clinical trials
- Drug repurposing
- Regulatory compliance
- Biotechnology
- Healthcare management
However, rapid AI adoption in life sciences presents risks such as:
- Lack of consolidated standards
- Training gaps
- Human error
- Data privacy and security concerns
- Medical device failures
Key findings from the research are:
- 57% are concerned that AI is being adopted into personalised medicine too quickly for proper training, with 17% not concerned.
- 57% worry about AI’s rapid integration for necessary training and safe use.
- 49% are anxious about AI in personalised medicine regarding health data protection, with 23% not concerned.
- 34% have heard or seen information about the rapid adoption of AI in personalised medicine, while 60% have not.
- 35% believe AI in personalised medicine currently improves healthcare, 11% think it worsens it, and 36% are unaware of its use. Among the informed, 54% believe AI will enhance healthcare treatment.
