“We have set a target to reach lead molecule identification approximately 50% faster while applying greater rigor so that only the most differentiated molecules advance.”

In context

“f the decade. Turning to Slide 6. We Central to delivering on these opportunities and enabling sustained long-term growth are our efforts to drive top-tier R&D productivity. In our development organization, we continue to improve execution across drug development by upgrading talent, streamlining decision-making and instituting tighter management of core clinical activities. We are also focused on enhancing the quality and depth of our early to mid-stage pipeline. Underpinning these efforts are investments we are making in core R&D infrastructure, including broadening the use of AI tools together with laboratory automation and people trained in the right ways of working. In research and early development, target selection and molecule design can have an outsized impact on long-term value. We have set a target to reach lead molecule identification approximately 50% faster while applying greater rigor so that only the most differentiated molecules advance. In late development, we're using AI to streamline clinical operations, compress development time lines and enhanced quality oversight. Over time, we expect these efforts to deliver a 30% reduction in cycle times versus just a few years ago. Among others, we have ongoing partnerships with Ferro, enabling us to design trials more efficiently and [indiscernible] cost optimizer tool. These ongoing efforts across R&D are top priorities for 2026. The organization's continued focus on financial discipline enables us to make these and other important investments. We remain on track to deliver the remainder of our $2 billion in cost savings from our strategic productivity initiative by the end of 2027. With respect to capital allocation, business development remains an important focus. As always,”