Advancing the future of drug discovery through AI
By Deanna L. Kroetz, PhD, BS Pharm '85, dean and professor at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy
As artificial intelligence reshapes how therapies are discovered, developed and delivered, the College of Pharmacy is embracing this opportunity to accelerate scientific innovation while preparing the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists to lead in an increasingly AI-driven world.
AI-enabled therapeutic innovation
This summer, Ohio State announced Buckeye BioLaunch, a new AI-enabled center designed to accelerate the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapies.
This ambitious initiative was conceived through a partnership between Paco Herson, PhD, and me, bringing together the strengths of the Wexner Medical Center, OSUCCC – James, and the colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine to create a comprehensive ecosystem for therapeutic innovation at Ohio State. I will lead the center alongside Xiaolin Cheng, PhD, professor of medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy, building on the collaborative vision that made this effort possible.
Buckeye BioLaunch will support projects across the full drug development pipeline—from genomics and target identification to molecule design, clinical translation and commercialization. By integrating expertise across disciplines, the center is positioned to speed the journey from scientific discovery to patient impact.
The initiative builds on Ohio State’s growing investments in clinical, genomic and health data resources, as well as strategic faculty hires through the Artificial Intelligence Faculty Hiring Initiative and the AI(X) Hub. Together, these capabilities are expected to support 10 to 20 AI-driven screening projects annually, helping researchers identify promising drug candidates faster while driving innovation and economic growth across Ohio.
The College of Pharmacy is uniquely positioned to lead this work. Our faculty are leveraging AI-enabled protein structure prediction, molecular modeling, drug design and data analytics to advance therapeutic discovery. Equally important, we are ensuring students graduate with the skills needed to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Preparing students for an AI-driven future
Across our doctoral curriculum, PhD students are introduced to AI applications in drug discovery, including protein structure prediction, molecular docking and computational approaches that support modern therapeutic development. Students also gain hands-on experience building and using AI tools to enhance research productivity and accelerate scientific workflows.
In addition to courses led by Dr. Cheng, the college will launch a new course, Survey of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Pharmaceutical Sciences, introducing students to the growing role of AI in research, industry and regulatory science. Another new course coming next spring, Introduction to Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Data Analysis, will provide foundational training in modeling, simulation and data analytics while incorporating AI and machine learning concepts through applied research exercises. Both courses are led by Kimberly Professor of Pharmacy Mitch Phelps, PhD and are designed to accommodate trainees at all levels, with sections open for BSPS, PharmD, MS and PhD students.
AI education at the College of Pharmacy extends well beyond formal coursework. Our informal “Nerd Hours” sessions gather faculty, staff and students to discuss pharmacometrics, PK/PD analysis and emerging technologies. As AI adoption accelerates, these conversations explore artificial intelligence and machine learning through presentations, literature reviews and collaborative discussion.
Faculty are also inspiring future generations of researchers. In June, Dr. Phelps and three student researchers led a day of learning as part of the week-long Camp for Biomedical Bioinformatics (CaBi) for high school students. Now in its third year, the program gives students hands-on exposure to advanced research environments and experts across Ohio State’s health sciences community, helping build a pipeline of future innovators.
As Buckeye BioLaunch strengthens Ohio State’s leadership in therapeutic innovation and supports the growth of central Ohio’s biotech ecosystem, the College of Pharmacy remains committed to developing the talent, expertise and collaborative culture needed to translate AI-driven discoveries into meaningful patient impact.
By investing in both groundbreaking science and student education, we are helping shape a future in which artificial intelligence plays a transformative role in advancing health for all.