AI In Drug Development: Avoid The ‘Flashiness,’ And Simply Ask ‘Does It Fit?’ – US FDA’s ElZarrad

The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research’s medical policy chief says artificial intelligence can aid patient recruitment and increase trial diversity, but warned of “unique” potential pitfalls for sponsors.

artificial intelligence
ElZarrad said the FDA may have to think of new approaches for AI transparency. • Source: Shutterstock

Drug developers should avoid falling for the “flashiness” of digital health technologies powered by artificial intelligence, as well as ensure they make sense and do not increase the complexity of clinical development, Khair ElZarrad, director of the US Food and Drug Administration Center for Drug Evaluation and Research’s Office of Medical Policy, said.

Key Takeaways
  • Sponsors may be attracted to using AI, but first must ask whether the tool fits the context of the clinical trial, Khair ElZarrad said.

“We call them this new tool,” ElZarrad said during a recent “Q&A with the FDA” podcast. “Everybody wants to...

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