Pharma’s hinge moment: Amgen GM champions an AI-pharma union to unlock uncharted possibilities in innovation

In an intriguing podcast for the Reimagining Healthcare series, Gabi Mittas, General Manager of Amgen ANZ, takes on the challenge of redefining the role of AI within the pharmaceutical industry, calling for a bold new vision that pushes beyond the industry’s traditional boundaries.

The conversation zeroed in on AI’s transformative potential over the next 10-15 years, with Mittas saying “It’s a huge opportunity for the pharma industry to think intentionally about how we embed AI across all elements of our business. It takes a broader enterprise commitment and view to do this.”

Reflecting on Amgen’s pioneering adoption of Microsoft Copilot locally, Mittas shared insights into “education, exploration and expectation” in guiding employees through the critical mindset shift and skills development needed to embrace this powerful AI tool.

“The biggest challenge is how do we break out of our old habits and establish new ones?” she noted.

She detailed several practical examples of AI applications in the local context and the impact of this transformation on Amgen’s workforce, including her own experience, from boosting productivity to reshaping workplace dynamics.

Mittas also highlighted where AI could unlock the most promising advances in patient care, stressing the need for the pharma industry to take a proactive role in policy conversations. With 238 submissions to the Select Committee on Adopting AI and none from pharma, Mittas sees an untapped opportunity for the pharma industry to contribute to shaping a responsible AI framework.

“Only by working together we are able to establish true governance to leverage AI in a way that creates efficiency and sustainability in our health ecosystem,” she remarked.

With privacy pushed into the spotlight, 96% of Australians want safeguards in place before AI is used to make a decision that impacts them and 43% express concerns about AI’s use of their personal information. Mittas acknowledged the tension, advocating for strong safeguards that ensure AI respects Australians’ privacy “without stifling innovation”.

Looking ahead, she outlined three essential steps for the pharma industry to take today to pave the way for a reimagined, AI-enhanced future in healthcare.

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