Science for Health: Interview with HST President Emmanuel Amory

The theme of this year’s Science for Health, taking place on 12 November in Brussels, is Data, Digitalization and AI, so we’re talking to experts in health and biotech to get their perspectives on the role of these tools in healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.

Emmanuel Amory is president of the Health, Science & Technology (HST) Group, comprised of GSK, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and UCB. He is also managing director of GSK Vaccines Belgium and has a career spanning more than 30 years in the pharmaceutical sector. Emmanuel will be giving the opening talk at Science for Health 2024.

 

 

Q: What is needed for Belgium to maintain its leadership in healthtech and biotech?

Emmanuel Amory: Belgium needs to focus on several key areas. First and foremost, it is crucial to continue fueling innovation, as this forms the foundation of Belgium’s biotech valley. The country’s ability to produce medicines and vaccines that others are not yet making gives it a competitive advantage. However, many countries are actively working to attract investment in this growing sector. Therefore, the government must protect and enhance existing measures to support research and development in Belgium.

In addition to innovation, Belgium must also prioritize the translation of research and knowledge into tangible medicines and vaccines. This requires a highly skilled workforce. Fortunately, the country possesses a significant asset in this regard, thanks to excellent universities and the strong connection between academia and industry. Investing in education, particularly in the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), is vital to nurture and maintain this pool of talent.

 

“Belgium is a melting pot of innovation and world-class talent, with structural dialogue with the government.” – Emmanuel Amory

 

Furthermore, Belgium benefits from a highly effective ecosystem in the biopharma sector within the European Union. The collaborative nature of the industry in Belgium, which includes universities, research and clinical centers, industry players and specialized suppliers, contributes to its success. The physical proximity of these partners in a relatively small country fosters seamless collaboration and connectivity. The Science for Health initiative exemplifies this.

Overall, Belgium stands as a melting pot of innovation, boasting world-class talent and structural dialogue with the government. By continuing to prioritize innovation, invest in education, and foster collaboration within the biopharma sector, Belgium can maintain its leadership position in healthtech and biotech.

What role can data play in accelerating health innovation?

Data is crucial in accelerating health innovation as it forms the basis for scientific discovery, through experimentation, observation and interpretation. With advancements in technology, we can collect more data than ever before, offering unprecedented scientific insights. However, to fully utilize this data, it must be organized and made accessible.

The government should foster an environment to consolidate and structure the data while balancing the protection of health information with accessibility. Simplifying data protection regulations would enable consent and access to health data, fostering collaboration and innovation in the healthcare sector. In conclusion, by effectively utilizing and protecting data, we can drive scientific breakthroughs and improve healthcare outcomes.

 

“The advanced algorithms and machine learning capabilities of AI enable us to ‘fail faster’, which means we can run through more drug candidates and identify potential ones much more quickly and accurately.” – Emmanuel Amory

 

How can AI support healthcare and healthtech?

AI can be helpful in these domains in various ways. It accelerates drug discovery by quickly and accurately identifying potential treatments. In clinical trials, AI improves efficiency by identifying suitable patients and predicting outcomes. Additionally, AI facilitates personalized medicine by correlating genetic data with appropriate treatments. Beyond R&D, AI can also be used in manufacturing processes. It can improve control and reduce variability, increasing efficiency and reliability.

Why is it important to develop AI responsibly?

Developing AI responsibly is not merely a preference but a necessity, particularly when it comes to health data. Gaining public trust requires using data in the best interest of people, rather than solely for business purposes. Health data is highly sensitive and can be misused if not properly controlled. Ensuring the privacy and security of sensitive patient data is of utmost importance. This aligns with GDPR regulations, which prioritize fairness, transparency, accuracy, and limitation of use. By developing AI responsibly, we uphold ethical standards and safeguard the trust and well-being of individuals.

 

“The human element remains essential in validating the insights provided by AI.
This aspect requires stringent regulation, and for valid reasons.”
– Emmanuel Amory

 

Do you think it’s going to be difficult to regulate AI?

Indeed, the regulatory framework surrounding AI will be highly complex, and it is crucial to be aware of this. One aspect of this complexity arises from the inability to explain the source of certain information in AI outcomes. Therefore, human validation remains essential in interpreting AI insights. Strict regulation in this area is necessary for valid reasons.

Controlling access to data is another important consideration. While ensuring availability, it is crucial to restrict access, impose limitations on use, and implement robust cybersecurity measures. Technologically, we have the capabilities to address these concerns. However, barriers persist in gathering data, as many healthcare actors are reluctant to share it. Physicians may argue that the data belongs to them, but in reality, it belongs to the patients who must provide consent. Policymakers play a crucial role in addressing this issue by requiring data sharing as the default, with consent.

How can government policies support healthcare innovation?

Government policies play a crucial role in supporting healthcare innovation. However, there is a need for a careful balance between simplification and regulation. European regulations, such as the AI Act, often lack industry expertise and practical applicability. Overregulation in Europe can hinder innovation rather than fostering it. To truly stimulate innovation, we require a more pragmatic approach to regulation, as observed in the US and China. This applies not only to AI data collection but also to other domains.

 

“AI is going to be a revolution in our sector,
possibly at the same level as the discovery of DNA.”
– Emmanuel Amory

 

Final thoughts?

Belgium occupies a unique position in the heart of a highly interconnected Europe. It serves as a hub for innovation, boasting world-class talent and with an exceptional dialogue with authorities. To further strengthen our position, Belgium must unite its efforts at a national level. I am delighted with the Science for Health initiative, which brings together multiple stakeholders from different regions, showcasing our collaborative approach.

The potential of AI in revolutionizing our sector is immense, comparable to groundbreaking discoveries like DNA and the development of the internet. To maintain its status as the biotech valley of Europe, Belgium must embrace the possibilities offered by AI and harness the power of health data. By doing so, we can drive innovation and propel the healthcare industry forward.

 

Connect with Emannuel and our other featured speakers at Science for Health!
Register here

 

Science for Health

Science for Health explores innovation at the interface of biology and technology, with a spotlight on Belgium’s involvement and contributions. This event brings together academics, industry leaders and policy makers to promote out-of-the-box thinking, tackle complex challenges, and spark new collaborations. The 2024 edition will focus on AI, Data and Digitalization, with discussions around how these tools can accelerate innovation in drug discovery & development and prevention & diagnostics.

 

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