How Sanofi Is Harnessing AI Agents to Transform Biopharma

At NEXT STEP AI we’re always on the lookout for organizations setting the benchmark for intelligent transformation. One company at the forefront of this shift is Sanofi, a global biopharmaceutical giant that’s going all-in on AI and agentic technologies. Under the bold leadership of CEO Paul Hudson, Sanofi is not just experimenting with AI, but they're integrating it deeply into every layer of their business.

A CEO Who Refuses to Delegate the AI Revolution

Paul Hudson’s message is clear: “Don’t delegate the AI revolution.” While many CEOs hand over tech innovation to CDOs or CIOs, Hudson believes AI is too transformative to be pushed down the chain. Instead, he’s driving the change personally, challenging every leader at Sanofi to disrupt their function with agentic AI.

This top-down commitment has created a culture where AI is seen not as a side project, but as a core strategic lever.

Going End-to-End with Agentic AI

Sanofi’s ambition isn’t limited to siloed proof-of-concepts. They’re applying AI end-to-end across the value chain, from research and development to manufacturing and patient access. This includes:

• AI-driven drug discovery: Using generative AI to reduce the risk and cost of early-stage drug development.

• Smart clinical trials: Improving decision-making in multi-million-dollar Phase III trials with AI agents that provide unbiased recommendations.

• Manufacturing efficiency: Introducing agents on the shop floor to optimize asset utilization and cut down stockouts – already reducing them by 80%.

• Real-time resource deployment: Agents help identify under- or over-utilized capital in real time, driving more agile, data-driven decisions.

Building a Transversal Data Backbone

While most companies keep AI siloed, Sanofi has built a transversal data infrastructure. This enables AI to operate across functions, increasing visibility and accelerating innovation. It’s a strategic move that’s proving to be a major competitive advantage.

Collaboration Over Control

Hudson doesn’t believe in “walled gardens.” Sanofi partners with external experts like OpenAI and Formation Bio, and intentionally avoids exclusivity. Why? Because innovation accelerates when shared; and the real differentiator isn’t the algorithm, but the ability to execute at scale.

Culture Shift: From Resistance to Empowerment

Naturally, there was internal resistance: people feared being replaced. But Sanofi’s mantra is:“Human + AI beats AI alone.”

Employees are encouraged to use agents as collaborators, not competitors. One standout initiative is Sanofi’s internal AI Club, a group of 12 change agents across departments tasked with reinventing how their teams work with AI.

Lessons for Other Leaders

For executives beginning their AI journey, Hudson offers practical advice:

1. Learn the fundamentals of AI yourself.

2. Empower respected employees – not just tech experts – to lead AI initiatives.

3. Be prepared to bring personal energy and persistence.

“AI may be the greatest revolution since the printing press. If you’re planning to delegate the AI revolution, then good luck to you.”— Paul Hudson, CEO, Sanofi

Final Thoughts

Sanofi is proving that with the right leadership, culture, and partnerships, AI can be more than a buzzword. It can be the engine that drives real transformation, i.e. faster discovery, smarter operations, and better outcomes for patients.

At NEXT STEP AI, we believe these lessons apply far beyond pharmaceuticals. If you’re serious about unlocking the potential of AI agents in your business, take a page from Sanofi’s playbook: start at the top, move across the value chain, and never stop pushing forward.

Note: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and clarity.