INTEGRATION OF AI/ML IN PHARMACY EDUCATION, PRACTICE, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT: IT’S PRESENT AND FUTURE

Dr. Nirmala Devi*

ABSTRACT

In recent years, Big data and multilayered computing algorithms is rapidly transforming science and technology, industries, and even our daily lives. Millions of new drug molecules, their targets and screening of safety and efficacy have become a matter of hours nowadays. AI has extensive applications in healthcare (diagnosis, robotic surgery and personalized treatment plans, electronic health record); Pharmaceutical industry (manufacturing & packaging, finance, transportation). Additionally, AI/ML equipped robots can efficiently streamline drug dispensing; manage inventory, drug safety, patient counseling and telemedicine services at reduced cost and errors. The primary objectives of this article are: (1) to provide historical overview of use of technology in Pharma sector (2) to update the applications of AI/DL/ML or ANN in various sectors of pharma (3) To outline current and future good practices in identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of artificial intelligence (SWOT) in different aspects of Pharmacy practice, pharmacy education and R & D. Finally, the adverse manifestations of AI-assisted technology are discussed with opportunities and recommendations.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine learning (ML), Database, Pharmacy practice, large language Model (NLP), Natural language processing (NLP), Neural networks (NN).