Why Drugmaker Eli Lilly Is Partnering With ChatGPT Maker OpenAI

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Aaron McDade
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Published June 25, 2024
04:26 PM EDT
Eli Lilly headquarters in Indianapolis

AJ Mast / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Key Takeaways

  • Eli Lilly is partnering with ChatGPT maker OpenAI to use artificial intelligence to develop new treatments to combat drug-resistant diseases.
  • The companies called drug-resistant diseases one of the "top public health and development threats" in global health.
  • The partnership joins Eli Lilly's other efforts in this area, including investments of millions into funds that promote the creation of antibiotics.

Eli Lilly (LLY) said it is partnering with ChatGPT maker OpenAI to use artificial intelligence (AI) to develop new treatments to combat drug-resistant diseases.

The companies said Tuesday that they will work together to create "novel antimicrobials" to fight drug-resistant pathogens, calling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) one of the "top public health and development threats across the global health landscape."

Eli Lilly Says Partnership Could Be 'Groundbreaking Step Forward'

"Our collaboration with OpenAI represents a groundbreaking step forward in the fight against the growing but overlooked threat of antimicrobial resistance," Eli Lilly Chief Information and Digital Officer Diogo Rau said in a statement.

"Generative AI opens a new opportunity to accelerate the discovery of novel antimicrobials and the development of custom, purpose-built technologies in the battle against drug-resistant pathogens. This partnership underscores our commitment to addressing significant health challenges experienced by people around the world," Rau said.

Tuesday's announcement didn't discuss financial terms. Eli Lilly in 2020 committed $100 million to developing two to four new antibiotics by 2030.

Not First Use of AI in Pharmaceuticals

OpenAI Chief Operating Officer (COO) Brad Lightcap said the company believes its AI has the potential to deliver "innovative breakthroughs" in the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmaceutical companies have used various forms of AI for years before the recent generative AI boom for drug development, for uses including increasing manufacturing efficiency and clinical trials.

Eli Lilly shares rose 1.6% to close at $904.61 Tuesday following the news and have gained over 55% so far this year.

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  1. Eli Lilly. "Lilly Collaborates with OpenAI To Discover Novel Medicines To Treat Drug-Resistant Bacteria."

  2. Pharmaceutical Processing World. "How 11 Big Pharma Companies Are Using AI."

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