When Dr. David Reese, Amgen’s first chief technology officer, embarked on the search for a head of artificial intelligence last year, he took a unique approach by looking outside the traditional realms of biopharma. Ultimately, he found Sean Bruich, who had previously worked at Nike, to join Amgen as senior vice president for AI and data. This unconventional hire underscores the growing trend of bringing in talent from diverse industries to drive innovation within healthcare.
Reese recognized the value that Bruich, with his background in consumer products and technology, could bring to Amgen’s efforts to leverage AI in drug discovery and operational efficiency. While the healthcare industry has been slower to adopt AI compared to tech and finance sectors, companies like Amgen are recognizing the need to tap into expertise from outside the industry to accelerate their AI initiatives.
Bruich’s role at Amgen involves spearheading the integration of AI and data science across various aspects of the company’s operations, from protein folding for drug design to streamlining regulatory processes. Despite his lack of experience in biology, Bruich’s expertise in data science and technology positions him well to drive Amgen’s AI strategy forward.
Reese, a former oncologist and now Amgen’s chief technology officer, is a strong advocate for the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. He believes that recent advancements in AI technology present a unique opportunity to revolutionize the industry by increasing drug discovery success rates and reducing the time-to-market for new treatments. With the current average timeline and cost of bringing a drug to market being substantial, AI offers the promise of significant time and cost savings.
Amgen’s investment in AI is further exemplified by its installation of an Nvidia supercomputer at its deCode genetics subsidiary in Iceland. This powerful computing infrastructure is being utilized to analyze vast amounts of genetic data with the aim of uncovering new treatment avenues, particularly for complex diseases like autoimmune conditions. Reese emphasizes that AI’s computational power is essential in unraveling the molecular intricacies of such diseases.
Bruich’s background in data science and technology, acquired through roles at Google, Facebook, and Nike, positions him as a valuable asset in driving Amgen’s AI initiatives. Despite the differences between selling consumer products and developing pharmaceuticals, Bruich sees the underlying technology as a common thread that transcends industries. His collaboration with Reese, who has successfully bridged the gap between science and technology at Amgen, highlights the potential for cross-disciplinary partnerships to drive innovation in biopharma.
In conclusion, Amgen’s strategic hiring of talent from outside the healthcare industry reflects a broader trend of leveraging diverse expertise to propel AI adoption in life sciences. With leaders like Reese and Bruich at the helm, Amgen is poised to harness the power of AI to revolutionize drug discovery and operational efficiency, ushering in a new era of innovation in biopharma. The sky was painted in hues of pink and orange as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the sound of birds singing their evening songs. It was a peaceful scene, a moment of tranquility in an otherwise chaotic world.
As I sat on the porch of my small cottage, sipping a cup of tea and watching the world go by, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for moments like these. In a world filled with stress and uncertainty, it was important to take the time to appreciate the simple beauty of nature.
The gentle breeze whispered through the trees, rustling the leaves and causing the branches to sway gently. The sound was soothing, a reminder of the natural rhythm of the world around me. I closed my eyes and let the sensation wash over me, feeling a sense of peace and contentment wash over me.
In that moment, I felt connected to something greater than myself. I felt a sense of belonging, of being a part of the tapestry of life that stretched out before me. It was a feeling of oneness with the world, a feeling of being exactly where I was meant to be.
As the last rays of sunlight faded from the sky, I opened my eyes and took a deep breath. The world was bathed in the soft glow of twilight, the stars beginning to twinkle in the darkening sky. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was always a glimmer of light to guide us through.
I finished my tea and stood up, feeling rejuvenated and at peace. As I made my way back into the cottage, I carried with me the memory of that beautiful evening, a reminder to always take the time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. In a world filled with chaos and turmoil, it was important to find moments of serenity and peace, even if just for a fleeting moment.
