Moderna partners with OpenAI to 'seamlessly integrate' GenAI into operations

Moderna and OpenAI announced a collaboration on Wednesday to use generative AI to advance the drug developer’s portfolio of mRNA-based therapeutics by enabling automation and driving productivity across all of its corporate functions. 

According to the Massachusetts-based biotech, the goal of the partnership is to “responsibly and seamlessly integrate generative AI into its operations and capitalise on next-generation AI innovation.”

The pair first linked up in 2023 to create Moderna's own version of ChatGPT, called mChat, but the partnership was later expanded to include OpenAI’s Enterprise toolbox, which enables users to build custom generative AI models for almost any area of expertise with specific instructions, knowledge and capabilities. 

Hundreds of AI assistants

The drugmaker said it has since deployed more than 750 GPTs “purpose-built as assistants” that work beside its employees across all of its departments, including legal, research, manufacturing, and commercial.  

"Just as the introduction of the personal computer in the 1980s changed the way we work and live, AI is on a path to completely transform our everyday lives – and OpenAI is helping to lead the way,” said CEO Stéphane Bancel. “Both our companies have shared values and are research-driven organisations pushing the boundaries of technology to drive transformation.”

One of Moderna’s custom AI tools is Dose ID, which provides its scientists with an optimal vaccine dose recommendation after inputting thousands of pages of data.

The GPT “provides supportive rationale for why we’re picking a supportive dose over other doses, it allows us to create customised visualisations so we can really understand the data, and it also allows the study team members to have a conversation with the GPT to analyse the data from multiple different angles,” said Meklit Workneh, director of clinical development

According to Moderna, the process – led by humans and augmented with AI input – allows for a detailed dose review, while prioritising safety and optimising the vaccine ahead of late-stage clinical trials.