Artificial intelligence is transforming how new medicines are discovered, developed, and manufactured. From accelerating drug discovery to improving process development and manufacturing, AI and machine learning are becoming essential tools across the biopharmaceutical lifecycle.
To explore these advances, the AIChE Pharmaceutical Discovery, Development and Manufacturing (PD2M) Forum is hosting the PD2M AI for Pharma Conference, taking place May 5–6, 2026 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The conference will bring together scientists, engineers, data scientists, and industry leaders to share practical applications of AI and machine learning across pharmaceutical discovery, development, and manufacturing.
We spoke with conference co-chair Tom Mistretta, Director of Data Science at Amgen, about what attendees can expect and why AI is becoming critical to the pharmaceutical industry's future.
What will attendees walk away with that they wouldn't get from other AI- or pharma-focused conferences?
A process-development-first view of AI. This conference goes beyond algorithms and vision statements to show how AI is being embedded into biopharmaceutical development workflows—from early discovery through commercial manufacturing—for both small and large molecules. Attendees will leave with a connected, end-to-end understanding of how AI improves process development and manufacturability of biopharmaceutical products.
How does the technical program deliver practical, immediately applicable insights?
The program is built around real use cases, not abstractions. Speakers are practitioners from industry and academia who share what worked, what didn't, and why—including data readiness, model validation, integration with lab and manufacturing systems, and organizational adoption. Sessions emphasize case studies that attendees can adapt directly to their own discovery, development, or manufacturing environments.
What sessions, themes, or perspectives are you most excited about this year?
I'm really excited to hear how industry colleagues are using AI to improve the way they work, particularly in drug substance process development. I'm also looking forward to hearing our keynote speakers share their perspectives on how AI will shape the future of biopharmaceutical process development, manufacturing, and quality.
What are the most important takeaways you hope attendees bring back to their day‑to‑day work?
Attendees should leave with a clearer understanding of where AI is delivering tangible value in process development today and how to structure problems so AI can support better decision-making. They will also gain insight into the capabilities that drive successful AI applications, including strong data foundations, seamless integration, and deep domain context. In addition, the discussion will highlight how AI is reshaping the way process development work gets done. Ultimately, the goal is for attendees to leave with practical insights they can apply immediately when they return to their day-to-day work.
Learn more about the PD2M AI for Pharma Conference.
Early bird registration rates end on April 1, 2026. Register today.
About PD2M
The Pharmaceutical Discovery, Development and Manufacturing Forum (PD2M) is a global AIChE community that brings together scientists, engineers, and industry leaders across the full pharmaceutical lifecycle, from early discovery through development and manufacturing. It fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange by connecting academia, industry, and government stakeholders, while offering programming, networking opportunities, and insights into emerging trends shaping pharmaceutical innovation. Lean more.
