Why AI Verification, not Speed or Model Accuracy, is the Real Bottleneck in Pharmaceutical Drug Discovery

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AI is transforming drug discovery—but faster models alone do not get drugs approved.

In this episode of The Signal Room, host Chris Hutchins speaks with David Finkelshteyn, CEO of Pivotal AI, about why verification—not speed or model accuracy—is the real bottleneck in pharmaceutical AI.

David explains why generating AI-designed molecules without rigorous validation creates more risk than value, especially in regulated environments like pharma and healthcare. The conversation breaks down where AI outputs most often fail between discovery and regulatory acceptance, why black-box models struggle under scrutiny, and what it actually means to verify an AI insight in drug development.

They also explore practical challenges around data integrity, auditability, missing context, hallucinations, and the growing use of consumer AI tools in health decisions. Rather than chasing hype, this episode focuses on how AI can responsibly accelerate drug development by failing faster, tightening verification loops, and building systems that can be defended to regulators, auditors, and clinicians.

This episode is essential listening for leaders working in pharmaceutical R&D, healthcare AI, data science, AI governance, and regulated technology environments.

Guest: David Finkelshteyn, CEO, Pivotal AI
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-finkelshteyn-03191a130/

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