Novo Nordisk to Integrate OpenAI Technology for Drug Development

Novo Nordisk to use OpenAI's AI to speed up drug development.

Novo Nordisk A/S plans to implement OpenAI’s AI technologies across all its divisions to accelerate drug development, according to Bloomberg.

The Danish manufacturer has not disclosed the financial terms of the partnership. This collaboration will complement Novo’s existing AI initiatives, including an agreement with Nvidia aimed at scientific research.

The company aims to expedite all processes—from drug development to production planning—as it seeks to regain its position in the competitive obesity treatment market.

Novo was the first to market powerful treatments but has since lost its leadership to American competitor Eli Lilly & Co.

CEO Mike Doustdar emphasized that the deal with OpenAI is not intended to replace scientists or staff. The integration of AI is expected to significantly enhance their efficiency.

Artificial intelligence will assist in faster identification of drug targets, conducting more effective clinical trials, and obtaining clear results from the company’s data sets.

Doustdar compared the integration of AI to the transition from using faxes to email.

Since his appointment as CEO in August 2025, the entrepreneur has laid off about 9,000 people and reorganized the workforce. He described the changes as a “culture of performance” that offers quicker decision-making.

Previously, Novo employees already had access to a special version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The new partnership expands this experience.

Pilot tests will begin in research and development, manufacturing, and commercial divisions. Full integration is expected by the end of 2026.

In June 2025, artificial intelligence created a drug for an incurable lung disease.