Sanofi Embraces AI in Preclinical R&D Through Partnership with BenchSci

Sanofi, the French pharmaceutical giant, has taken a significant step forward in its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy by partnering with Canadian software company BenchSci. The collaboration, announced on October 8, 2025, aims to integrate AI technology into Sanofi's preclinical research and development processes.

BenchSci's ASCEND Platform to Power Sanofi's Global Preclinical Research

The three-year partnership will see Sanofi implement BenchSci's ASCEND platform across its global preclinical research organization. ASCEND, an AI-powered tool, combines public scientific information with proprietary internal data to create knowledge graphs. These graphs are designed to assist scientists in gaining a deeper understanding of disease biology, potentially accelerating the drug discovery process.

BenchSci, founded in 2015 in Toronto, has been rapidly gaining traction in the pharmaceutical industry. The company's recent successes include a $95 million Series D funding round in 2023 and a partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific announced late last month.

Sanofi's Broader AI Integration Strategy

This latest partnership is part of Sanofi's comprehensive strategy to incorporate AI throughout its organization, including every stage of research and development. The move reflects a growing trend in the pharmaceutical industry to leverage advanced technologies in drug discovery and development processes.

Sanofi's commitment to AI extends beyond research partnerships. The company's venture capital arm, Sanofi Ventures, recently invested in QuantHealth, an AI-powered clinical trial simulation company. This investment followed Sanofi's announcement of a $625 million increase in funding for its venture operation, underscoring the company's dedication to fostering innovation through strategic investments.

Industry Implications and Future Outlook

The collaboration between Sanofi and BenchSci represents a significant development in the pharmaceutical industry's adoption of AI technologies. As major players like Sanofi continue to invest in and implement AI solutions, it is likely to spur further innovation and competition in the sector.

The addition of Pfizer R&D veteran Mikael Dolsten, M.D., Ph.D., to BenchSci's board of directors in July 2025 further highlights the growing importance of AI in pharmaceutical research and development. This move brings valuable industry experience to the AI company and may help bridge the gap between traditional pharmaceutical practices and cutting-edge technology.

As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between Sanofi and BenchSci are expected to become increasingly common. These collaborations have the potential to significantly accelerate drug discovery and development processes, ultimately benefiting patients through faster access to innovative treatments.