In this episode, Vijay Pande talks with Kim Branson, the SVP and Global Head of AI and Machine Learning for GSK, about his journey from a childhood fascination with computers to leading AI efforts in a major pharmaceutical company. They discuss Branson's career path, the intersection of computation and biology, and the challenges and opportunities in integrating AI into drug discovery and development. Topics covered: 00:00 - Introduction to Kim Branson and his background 00:15 - Early interest in computers and transition to molecular biology 01:20 - Experience with computational methods in drug design 02:10 - Differences between working in startups and large pharmaceutical companies 04:05 - Decision to join GSK and the company’s commitment to AI 06:10 - Implementing AI in drug discovery processes 08:35 - Use of genetic databases and machine learning in target identification 10:55 - Application of AI in clinical trials and pathology 12:40 - Importance of data in AI-driven drug discovery 16:55 - Challenges of integrating AI into existing pharmaceutical frameworks 18:15 - Advice for startups in the AI and drug discovery space 24:20 - Future of AI in personalized medicine and computational biology Resources: Find Vijay on Twitter: https://x.com/vijaypande Learn more about a16z Bio+Health: https://a16z.com/bio-health/ Learn more about Raising Health: https://a16z.com/podcasts/raising-health/ Stay Updated: Find a16z Bio+Health on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a16z-bio-health/ Find a16z Bio+Health on X: https://x.com/a16zBioHealth Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://raisinghealth.simplecast.com/ Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.