The use of artificial intelligence is quickly changing the medical field, giving hope for a breakthrough in defeating debilitating diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, stated on the Hard Fork technology podcast that significant advancements in artificial intelligence may lead to the creation of effective drugs for major illnesses like cardiovascular diseases and cancer within a couple of years.

The upcoming advancement in artificial general intelligence, also known as AGI, holds potential to completely transform the field of medicine and drug innovation with its human-like cognitive abilities. Major technology companies like Google are already utilizing AI and AGI to facilitate breakthroughs in drug development.

“I have recently finalized major partnerships with prominent pharmaceutical companies for real drug projects. I anticipate that within the next few years, we will have AI-generated medications undergoing clinical trials,” stated Hassabis.

There is much excitement in the medical world about the possibilities of AI to transform their industry.

Nonetheless, certain specialists, such as Nadia Akseer, a researcher at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, warn that achieving a world completely free of disease may not be possible.

Akseer explained to VOA that as the disease process is constantly changing, the usefulness of these technologies may be limited to the present time and we cannot predict what challenges may arise in the future, such as worldwide pandemics or shifts in disease patterns caused by climate change.

AI has significantly impacted the healthcare industry, despite a few limitations. By leveraging intelligent technology, machines have improved the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment processes. From interpreting laboratory results to analyzing images, doctors now rely on AI for various tasks.

Doctors and clinicians are expecting a surge of ground-breaking advancements in the near future as AI features continue to rapidly develop.

According to Zak Kohane, professor of biomedical informatics at Harvard Medical School, artificial intelligence (AI) has significant promise to enhance the well-being of humans through advancements in medical practices and healthcare delivery. This statement was shared with VOA via email.

Kohane identified numerous domains in which AI can accelerate diagnoses, propose treatments that a human doctor might not consider, and even forecast patient reactions to therapies based on factors like the specific genetic composition of a tumor.

Kohane mentioned the possibility of AI tools being able to detect changes and variations in a patient’s medical history that could indicate potential risks for complications related to an existing condition or the development of future conditions, potentially years in advance.

Although thrilling, these developments pose difficulties. Professionals like Akseer warn about the possibility of AI exacerbating current healthcare inequalities worldwide.

Government regulations could impede speedy advancements in this area.

“According to Kohane, AI is essentially a tool that can be utilized by humanity. The way in which we choose to use this tool is ultimately in the hands of society. In order for multiple advantages to be achieved, political determination is necessary.”

“In this context, AI serves as a crucial tool but is not a cure-all solution.”