AI Is Now a Vital Part of Drug Discovery and Development — McKesson SVP for Data Commercialization and Advanced Analytics

(US & Canada) Kirby Forlin, SVP, Data Commercialization & Advanced Analytics at McKesson, speaks with Traci Gusher EY Americas AI and Data Leader, in a video interview about her career trajectory and role at McKesson, defining AI-readiness, and AI is revolutionizing the healthcare and life sciences.

Forlin began her career in sales within the consumer packaged goods industry, where she first encountered the concept of data-driven selling. Eventually, she transitioned into account management, but her passion for data quickly became evident. This led her to move into category management, marking the true start of her journey in data and analytics.

Speaking of AI readiness, Forlin highlights three essential components:

1. Data: Having high-quality data is crucial—it must be well-governed, accurate, reliable, and appropriately labeled. Depending on privacy considerations, de identification might also be necessary, as this data is the fuel for future applications, particularly generative AI.

2. Analytics talent: Analytics talent is vital. It's important to have professionals who can collaborate with the business to understand key questions and apply suitable algorithms to the data.

3. Technology: Technology serves as a massive enabler, providing the necessary processing power to run models at scale and store data in a way that benefits both business analysts and data scientists.

Next, Forlin explains that the integration of AI and data is fundamentally transforming the healthcare and life sciences industries, particularly through advancements in personalized medicine. By combining diverse datasets, including genetic information and current health statuses of individuals across the U.S. and globally, AI enables a deeper understanding of what treatments will be most effective for each person. This data-driven approach allows healthcare providers to move beyond generalized treatments and develop highly personalized care plans.

Forlin also highlights the critical role AI plays in drug discovery and development. AI can simulate biological responses to various drugs, helping researchers predict their effectiveness and safety before clinical trials. This not only accelerates the development process but also improves the likelihood of successful outcomes in treatment.

In the context of Medical Surgical, Forlin discusses the collaboration with Swift Medical, a company specializing in wound care. She points out that wound healing can be challenging for nurses to assess accurately. Still, AI technology can analyze images of wounds, measure their size, and track the progress of healing over time. This helps ensure that treatment plans are effective, improving patient outcomes.

Moreover, Forlin notes that AI is revolutionizing the commercial aspects of healthcare. By analyzing data from healthcare providers and claims, AI helps pharmaceutical companies understand how to bring new drugs to market more effectively. It provides insights into which healthcare providers need specific information about new treatments, ultimately enhancing the delivery of care and supporting the healthcare industry's ongoing innovation.

CDO Magazine appreciates Kirby Forlin for sharing her insights with our global community.