In a recent episode of Bain & Company’s Winning with AI podcast, Amgen Chairman and CEO Bob Bradway discussed the profound impact of artificial intelligence on biotechnology and healthcare. Hosted by Sarah Elk and AI pioneer Andrew Ng, the conversation delved into Amgen’s early adoption of AI, its applications across the business, and the strategic vision behind these advancements.
Bradway emphasized that AI is fundamentally altering how medicines are discovered, developed, manufactured, and delivered to patients. This transformation is not just about efficiency but also about enhancing the quality and speed of scientific breakthroughs.
Early Adoption and Strategic Vision
Amgen’s journey with AI began in 2012, a time when the technology was not yet mainstream. Bradway highlighted the company’s interest in human genetics as a means to identify targets relevant to human diseases. The acquisition of deCODE, a company with a comprehensive genetic database of Iceland’s population, provided Amgen with a high-quality, longitudinal dataset linking genetics to health traits.
This data was seen as a goldmine for insights that could guide discovery research. Bradway recalled being inspired by IBM’s Watson and envisioning a future where AI could make sense of large datasets. Although AI was not as advanced then as it is today, the potential was clear. This foresight led Amgen to invest in the necessary technology and mathematical capabilities to harness this data effectively.
Protein Folding and Drug Design
One of the most significant advancements in AI’s application within biotechnology is protein folding. Bradway discussed how AI scientists have long been attracted to this challenge, catalyzed by a Nobel Prize winner’s suggestion that predicting protein folding based on amino acid sequences was possible. In 2026, DeepMind’s AlphaFold demonstrated the ability to predict protein structures in silico, a breakthrough that generated immense excitement in the field.
Amgen has since developed its own models and continues to test and evolve these technologies. The focus is not just on predicting protein structures but also on designing drugs. For instance, zero-shot antibodies are a current area of excitement. Bradway emphasized that Amgen is not relying on any single approach but is integrating its expertise and data to make these models useful for their specific needs.
Applications Beyond R&D
Amgen’s approach to AI is holistic, extending beyond research and development. Bradway explained that the company is exploring AI applications across the entire value chain, from manufacturing to sales and marketing. For example, AI is being used to select molecules for clinical development more quickly, saving up to 50% of the time previously required.
In manufacturing, AI is enhancing visual inspection processes, improving capacity and modeling. In sales and marketing, AI tools are changing how customers consume information about medicines and the diseases they treat. This comprehensive approach ensures that AI’s benefits are realized throughout the organization.
Leading Organizational Transformation
Bradway shared insights into how Amgen is leading this strategic transformation. The company engages in brainstorming sessions to think about future possibilities, such as the potential impact of quantum computing. By identifying relevant quantum equations and experiments, Amgen is preparing for future advancements that could tackle challenges beyond the scope of classical computing.
This forward-thinking approach is crucial for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving field. Bradway emphasized the importance of being proactive rather than reactive, ensuring that Amgen is ready to harness new technologies as they emerge. This strategy is not just about being prepared for a specific date but about being adaptable and ready to move quickly when opportunities arise.
In conclusion, Bradway’s insights highlight how AI is transforming biotechnology and healthcare. Amgen’s early adoption and strategic vision demonstrate the potential of AI to revolutionize drug discovery, development, and delivery, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.
