May 9, 2025

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FDA AI, Google Layoffs, AI Chatbots, Cybersecurity Risks, AI Solutions

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up the drug review process, with discussions underway with OpenAI and the deployment of an AI assistant by June 30. The AI tool will handle repetitive tasks, freeing up scientists to focus on critical components of the safety evaluation process. Meanwhile, Google has laid off hundreds of employees to prioritize development of AI and allocation for data centers. In other news, there are growing concerns about students using AI chatbots for companionship, and experts warn that having a relationship with a computer can hurt social skills and leave them vulnerable to data breaches and graphic content. Additionally, Cisco has revealed that AI is fueling a new wave of cybersecurity risks for Canadian organizations, with 80% of organizations experiencing AI-related incidents last year. Other companies, such as VEON's QazCode and NewRocket, are partnering to develop AI-powered solutions and launching AI engagement programs to help business technology leaders deliver real-world outcomes from AI investments.

Key Takeaways

  • The FDA is exploring the use of AI to speed up the drug review process, with discussions underway with OpenAI.
  • The FDA will deploy an AI assistant by June 30 to handle repetitive tasks and free up scientists to focus on critical components of the safety evaluation process.
  • Google has laid off hundreds of employees to prioritize development of AI and allocation for data centers.
  • There are growing concerns about students using AI chatbots for companionship, which can hurt social skills and leave them vulnerable to data breaches and graphic content.
  • Cisco has revealed that AI is fueling a new wave of cybersecurity risks for Canadian organizations, with 80% of organizations experiencing AI-related incidents last year.
  • VEON's QazCode has partnered with Seekr to develop AI-powered solutions and accelerate the development of AI applications.
  • NewRocket has launched Flightpath.AI, a fast-track engagement program to turn generative and agentic AI concepts into working solutions on the ServiceNow platform.
  • KPMG's US ESG Lead emphasizes the importance of leveraging AI to reduce environmental impact, manage and report on sustainability data, and forecast trends.
  • AutoCanada has dropped AutoTrader to pursue social media and AI-powered sales channels.
  • A recent article highlights the importance of AI maturity in financial services, emphasizing the need for companies to develop deep knowledge, critical thinking, and vision to understand how AI can be used to improve decision-making.

OpenAI Meets with FDA

OpenAI and the US Food and Drug Administration have been meeting to discuss using AI in drug evaluation. A small team from OpenAI met with the FDA and associates of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. The goal is to use AI to speed up the drug review process. AI can help predict toxicities and adverse events for certain conditions, according to an FDA spokesperson.

US FDA Explores AI for Drug Reviews

The US Food and Drug Administration is in discussions with OpenAI about using artificial intelligence to speed up the drug review process. The FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation is considering an AI-based tool called cderGPT. The full development cycle for new drugs often takes over a decade, but AI could help shorten this process. AI has been seen as a promising tool for optimizing pharmaceutical research, but questions remain about its accuracy.

FDA to Deploy AI Assistant

The US Food and Drug Administration will deploy an AI assistant for research reviews by the end of June. The AI tool will handle repetitive tasks, freeing up scientists to focus on critical components of the safety evaluation process. FDA Commissioner Martin Makary announced the deployment, saying it will accelerate the review time for new therapies. The agency will continue to assess performance and gather user feedback to refine the AI tool.

FDA to Use AI Internally

The US Food and Drug Administration will deploy artificial intelligence internally by June 30. The AI tool will help FDA scientists and experts with repetitive tasks, speeding up the review process. The agency will continue to assess performance and gather user feedback to refine the AI tool. This move is part of the FDA's efforts to incorporate AI across all its centers by summer.

Google Lays Off 200 Employees

Google has laid off at least 200 people in sales and partnerships roles across its global business unit. The company is prioritizing development of artificial intelligence and allocation for data centers. Google has laid off hundreds of employees in its platforms and devices unit, which includes work on Android OS, Chrome browser, and Pixel phones. The company had 183,323 employees as of December 31, 2024.

Google Fires 200 More Employees

Google has fired another 200 employees in its global business unit responsible for sales and partnerships. The company is restructuring and prioritizing artificial intelligence and data centers. Google laid off hundreds of employees in its platforms and devices unit earlier. The company's parent, Alphabet, announced plans to cut 12,000 jobs in January 2023, and has since laid off at least 12,000 employees.

Students Turn to AI Relationships

There is growing concern about students using AI chatbots for companionship, which can quickly spiral out of control. School counselors are trying to create a safe environment for students and educate them about the potential risks of AI relationships. Experts agree that having a relationship with a computer can hurt students' social skills and leave them vulnerable to data breaches and graphic content.

UNC Charlotte Professor Develops AI Video Tool

A professor at UNC Charlotte has developed an AI video tool to monitor home safety. The tool is designed to improve home security and provide a safer environment for residents. However, the full details of the tool are not available due to access restrictions.

Cisco Reveals AI Cybersecurity Risks

Cisco has revealed that AI is fueling a new wave of cybersecurity risks for Canadian organizations. Eighty percent of organizations experienced AI-related incidents last year, including AI-powered phishing scams and social engineering attacks. Cisco's 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index found that only three percent of organizations are fully prepared to defend against today's cybersecurity threats.

VEON's QazCode Partners with Seekr

VEON's QazCode has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Seekr to develop AI-powered solutions. QazCode will integrate Seekr's end-to-end enterprise AI platform into its operations to accelerate the development of AI applications. The partnership aims to drive digital growth and support QazCode's ambition to be a leading developer of AI applications in Kazakhstan and internationally.

AI Maturity in Financial Services

A recent article discusses the importance of AI maturity in financial services. It highlights the need for companies to develop deep knowledge, critical thinking, and vision to understand how AI can be used to improve decision-making. The article also emphasizes the importance of causal AI and its potential to improve decision-making. Additionally, it provides guidance on how to trust AI systems and avoid pitfalls.

AutoCanada Drops AutoTrader

AutoCanada has dropped AutoTrader to pursue social media and AI-powered sales channels. The company is weighing joint production of utility vehicles in one of Nissan Motor Co.'s US assembly plants. AutoCanada is shifting its focus to digital channels and AI-powered sales to drive growth.

KPMG's US ESG Lead on AI for Sustainability

KPMG's US ESG Lead, Maura Hodge, discusses the use of AI for sustainability. She highlights the importance of leveraging AI to reduce environmental impact, manage and report on sustainability data, and forecast trends. Hodge also emphasizes the need for companies to focus on the value of AI investments and not just compliance. She notes that AI can help companies accelerate their sustainability objectives and make better decisions.

NewRocket Launches Flightpath.AI

NewRocket has launched Flightpath.AI, a fast-track engagement program designed to turn generative and agentic AI concepts into working solutions on the ServiceNow platform. The program aims to help business technology leaders deliver real-world outcomes from AI investments. Flightpath.AI provides a working prototype supported by before-and-after performance benchmarks and a roadmap for future scaling.

Sources

AI FDA OpenAI drug evaluation drug review process pharmaceutical research