Sanofi CEO: Enterprise AI to Reshape Pharma by 2026

AI is moving from experimentation to becoming a vital part of Sanofi's infrastructure, powering R&D, supply chain, and manufacturing.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Sanofi's CEO believes that enterprise-scale implementation of AI will be a tipping point in 2026, shifting from AI experimentation to operationalizing it as a fundamental driver of growth across the pharmaceutical industry. AI is already accelerating drug discovery, clinical trial recruitment, and supply chain management at Sanofi, with plans to further integrate AI into preventative and predictive care models.

Why it matters

The adoption of AI across the pharmaceutical industry is expected to significantly transform drug development, manufacturing, and healthcare delivery, leading to faster timelines, reduced costs, and improved patient outcomes. As more organizations reach the stage of enterprise-wide AI implementation, the industry is moving past debates about AI hype and seeing tangible evidence of its long-term value.

The details

At Sanofi, AI now powers R&D decisions, supply chain and manufacturing processes, and drug discovery. Combining machine learning and data integration, Sanofi has discovered 10 new drug targets in just one year. AI is also improving clinical trial recruitment by automating patient eligibility screening, leading to faster enrollment. Beyond the lab, AI-driven supply chain management has enabled Sanofi to avoid $300 million in revenue risk and predict 80% of low inventory issues. Looking ahead, the integration of AI, wearables, and digital therapeutics is expected to shift healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive, continuous protection.

  • In 2026, enterprise-scale implementation of AI is expected to be a tipping point for the pharmaceutical industry.
  • At Davos 2026, AI was a key topic of discussion as its impact on innovation and growth became increasingly recognized.

The players

Sanofi

A multinational pharmaceutical company that has deeply integrated AI into its R&D, supply chain, and manufacturing operations.

Boston Consulting Group

A global management consulting firm that has reported on the potential for generative AI to accelerate early-stage drug breakthroughs.

McKinsey

A global management consulting firm that has found AI-driven analytics can significantly maximize manufacturing yield for pharmaceutical companies.

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What they’re saying

“AI is no longer just assisting R&D efforts, it is actively shaping decision-making. Our drug development committee meetings begin with an AI agent's assessment of whether a drug should advance to the next trial phase.”

— Sanofi CEO (dnyuz.com)

“Through enhanced visibility and real-time tracking, AI systems provide unprecedented insights into inventory levels and product movement.”

— Sanofi CEO (dnyuz.com)

What’s next

As AI capabilities continue to scale, the pharmaceutical industry is expected to see accelerated momentum in AI-powered transformation, with a focus on further integrating AI into drug discovery, manufacturing, and preventative care models.

The takeaway

The adoption of enterprise-scale AI is poised to reshape the pharmaceutical industry, leading to faster drug development, optimized supply chains, and more proactive healthcare delivery. This shift marks a move beyond AI experimentation to AI becoming a fundamental driver of growth and innovation across the sector.