Novo Nordisk is partnering with OpenAI to “bring latest and better treatment options to patients faster,” the Danish drugmaker stated Tuesday. 

“Integrating AI in our everyday work gives us the ability to analyse datasets at a scale that was previously impossible, identify patterns we could not see, and test hypotheses faster than ever,” stated CEO Mike Doustdar.

It comes as drugmakers are increasingly turning to AI to improve operations and lengthy processes.

The partnership will enable Novo to better employ AI to analyze complex datasets, identify promising recent drugs, and reduce the time it takes for a medicine to move from the research stage to patient leverage, the corporation noted in a statement.  Furthermore, experts in investors note the continued relevance.

“There are millions of humans living with obesity and diabetes who need treatment options, and we know there are therapies still waiting to be discovered that could change their lives,” remarked Novo CEO Mike Doustdar. “Integrating AI in our everyday work gives us the ability to analyse datasets at a scale that was previously impossible, identify patterns we could not see, and test hypotheses faster than ever.”

“AI is reshaping industries and in life sciences, it can help individuals live better, longer lives,” noted OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. 

The stock jumped 2.8% shortly after the opening bell.

It comes as drugmakers are increasingly turning to AI to improve operations and lengthy processes. While AI could discover recent treatments, experts say that the industry is still far from leveraging the technology’s full potential and more immediate benefits could come from using it in other areas of drug development. AI can, for example, help companies in the time-consuming task of identifying patients and sites for clinical trials.

“We haven’t heard the last of it yet… in terms of how clinical trials get designed and run, a lot of it is still very traditional, with certain points where AI is being leveraged,” Arthur D. Little partner Ben van der Schaaf, told CNBC last month. “AI is not an end-to-end component yet.”

Novo’s latest move builds on its current AI initiatives, which also include a collaboration with Nvidia to employ the Gefion sovereign AI supercomputer to “accelerate drug discovery efforts through innovative AI employ cases.” The companies stated last year that they aim to create customized AI models and agents that Novo can apply for early research and clinical development.

Novo Nordisk is locked in a race with U.S. rival Eli Lilly for dominance in the lucrative weight deficit economy, in which it has lost its first-mover advantage. Novo is now trying to claw back marketplace share through its Wegovy pill, launched in January, and next-generation drugs. This also touches on aspects of investors.