AI and digital twins are redrawing the boundaries of drug discovery. Once defined by lab benches, animal studies, and years of trial and error, the field is now embracing virtual methodologies that promise faster, safer, and more precise innovation. But could these technologies ever make animal testing obsolete?
In this episode of Tech Tomorrow, David Elliman speaks with Professor Julie Frearson, SVP and Chief Scientific Officer at Charles River Laboratories, about how artificial intelligence is transforming early-stage drug discovery. Julie explains how AI is already accelerating small-molecule design and enabling the use of virtual control animals, reducing the need for live testing without compromising scientific integrity.
They also unpack the growing challenges of explainability, bias, and regulation in AI-driven science. From ensuring transparency and accountability in complex models to understanding how regulators like the FDA are beginning to accept hybrid data sets that combine in vivo results with AI predictions, the discussion balances optimism with realism in a rapidly evolving field.
Ultimately, Professor Julie and David agree that while AI is reshaping discovery, humans must remain firmly in the loop. For now, it is the only way to ensure that innovation remains both ethical, trustworthy, and safe.
Episode Highlights:
01:31 – Areas of drug discovery already transformed by AI and digital twins.
03:25 – Digital twins in animal testing and the creation of “
virtual animals.”
05:50 – David’s thoughts: What executives often get wrong about digital twins.
07:30 – How digital twins accurately recreate parts of animals.
10:11 – How regulation currently views AI models in drug discovery.
13:30 – The timeline for regulators to become more comfortable with hybrid data sets.
14:37 – David’s thoughts: How ‘black box’ AI processes create challenges, and how to address them.
16:31 – The role of humans in the drug discovery loop.
17:37 – Will technology outpace regulation?
20:34 – Could AI and digital twins make animal testing in drug discovery obsolete?
About Zühlke:
Zühlke is a global transformation partner, with engineering and innovation at its core. We help clients envision and build their businesses for the future – running smarter today while adapting for tomorrow’s markets, customers, and communities.
Our multidisciplinary teams specialise in technology strategy and business innovation, digital solutions and applications, and device and systems engineering. We thrive in complex, regulated sectors such as healthcare and finance, connecting strategy, implementation, and operations to help clients build more effective and resilient businesses.
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What is Tech Tomorrow?
Tech Tomorrow is your front-row seat to the conversations redefining the future. Each episode explores one big question about data, AI, or emerging tech, giving leaders clear, focused answers they can trust. If you're navigating complex innovation, from AI-augmented delivery to sustainability, this show helps you cut through the noise, connect cross-disciplinary trends, and lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Previously known as Data Today, this podcast has examined how out-of-the-box thinking around data can be used for good in our world. Now, Tech Tomorrow expands its scope, diving into topics like agentic systems, cybersecurity consulting, and AI in product development.
Host David Elliman is Chief of Software Engineering at Zühlke. With 40 years of experience in technology and innovation, David is a global leader and advisor. Specialising in building enterprise-scale solutions and adopting emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and cloud computing, David offers technical consulting worldwide.
About Zühlke
Zühlke is a global transformation partner, with engineering and innovation in our DNA. We're trusted to help clients envision and build their businesses for the future – to run smarter today while adapting for tomorrow’s markets, customers, and communities.
Our multidisciplinary teams specialise in tech strategy and business innovation, digital solutions and applications, and device and systems engineering. We excel in complex, regulated spaces including health and finance, connecting strategy, tech implementation, and operational services to help clients become more effective, resilient businesses.