Optimizing the Role of AI in Drug Development 

Helping a pharma leader overcome obstacles and accelerate their journey toward unlocking AI’s full potential in oncology R&D.
AI in drug development: a tray of test tubes with a gloved hand adding liquid to one tube with eyedropper.

The Challenge

A Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company managing a broad oncology portfolio was investing in AI to accelerate drug development. Despite strong intent, several AI-driven initiatives were stalling. The root issues included inconsistent documentation, unclear project intake processes and misalignment with broader business goals. These gaps were slowing momentum and putting long-term impact at risk.

How We Helped

Experis worked closely with the client to create a tailored program framework that enabled structure, speed and strategic alignment.

We introduced a comprehensive service catalog that outlined key project focus areas and provided guidance for effective stakeholder engagement. To ensure smoother execution, we also designed a standardized project intake form that clarified how projects were proposed, evaluated and initiated.

To strengthen vendor partnerships, we developed an assessment tool that allowed the client to evaluate external providers based on capabilities, differentiators and AI offerings. Project governance was reinforced through the introduction of foundational artifacts, including:

  • Stakeholder matrix
  • Detailed project timeline
  • RAID log (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies)
  • Requirements structure for improved transparency and accountability

The Impact

The program enablement efforts delivered clear, measurable improvements:

  • Reduced onboarding time through standardized intake and planning
  • Improved coordination across cross-functional teams
  • Stronger project governance that accelerated execution timelines
  • More informed vendor selection based on data-driven comparisons

By creating the right foundation, the client was able to drive consistent delivery across its AI initiatives and move closer to realizing the full potential of AI in oncology research and development.