To this end, clinical data and other medical information will be analysed using artificial intelligence. The partners aim to investigate whether this will enable clinical trials to be planned in a more targeted manner and, in some cases, simulated virtually. A particular focus is on the development of alternative control groups. Instead of treating patients exclusively with a standard therapy or a placebo, existing data and computer-based models could also be used for comparison in future. This could reduce the number of trial participants required, shorten development times and lower the costs of clinical research. Initially, the companies intend to investigate the technical and scientific feasibility of this approach in relation to lung diseases. Further therapeutic areas are set to follow. The collaboration extends beyond pharmaceutical research. Boehringer Ingelheim is already using Microsoft Copilot and intends to integrate artificial intelligence more closely into its business processes. The modernisation of IT infrastructure and potential applications in animal health are also part of the collaboration.
It remains to be seen whether digital patient models will actually be able to replace parts of traditional clinical trials in the future. To do so, the methods must demonstrate their scientific reliability and meet regulatory requirements. For the pharmaceutical industry, this could lead to long-term changes in how clinical evidence is gathered and new therapies are developed.
News from “Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH” dated 22 October 2026