On January 8, 2025, in Darmstadt, Germany, Merck KGaA unveiled groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) aimed at transforming drug discovery and semiconductor material development. Belén Garijo, the company’s CEO, emphasized the profound impact AI will have on industries, stating, "We have been preparing for its arrival for four years."
Merck’s innovative approach focuses on enhancing biopharmaceutical research and personalized medicine. Ashwini Ghogare, head of AI and automation for drug discovery, explained that the company aims to reduce the time and costs associated with clinical trials while increasing their success rates. The company has developed two proprietary AI platforms: Aiddison and Catalexis.
Aiddison, or AI-Enabled Drug Discovery Solution, utilizes generative AI models trained on over three decades of pharmaceutical R&D data to identify and optimize new drug molecules. This platform offers clients access to virtual chemical libraries containing more than 64 billion molecules, thereby streamlining the drug development process.
Catalexis assists in selecting suitable catalysts for chemical reactions efficiently. By integrating physical catalysts with AI-driven software, the platform minimizes the extensive manual testing typically required in catalyst selection, significantly enhancing resource efficiency.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, Merck is applying AI to optimize existing semiconductor materials and develop new compounds for next-generation chips. The demand for smaller, more powerful chips is rising, with applications in computers and smartphones, particularly those utilizing AI.
The company noted that the structures within these chips can be up to 20,000 times smaller than a human hair, necessitating the use of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths for production. Developing new material mixes, which can cost around $10,000 per test, is accelerated through AI, improving cost-effectiveness.
Merck's strategy involves a collaborative approach, with AI experts working closely with IT teams to maximize synergies across its pharmaceutical, electronics, and life sciences sectors. The company has committed to a €3 billion investment plan through 2025 to bolster its growth in these fields, including the establishment of technology centers in Shanghai and Singapore to enhance digital solutions for clients.
As Merck continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the integration of AI into its processes stands to revolutionize the landscape of drug development and semiconductor manufacturing.