AI & Healthcare: A Slightly Anxious Investor’s Log

Right. So, everyone’s going on about Artificial Intelligence, aren’t they? It’s all the rage. And, predictably, the tech companies are hoovering up all the glory. But I’ve been thinking – and overthinking, let’s be honest – that maybe, just maybe, there’s something to be said for looking beyond the usual suspects. Because even, especially, if you’re a slightly neurotic investor like myself, diversification is key. And healthcare…well, people will always need healthcare. It’s a grim thought, but a stable one. So, I’ve been peering at a couple of pharma giants who are dipping their toes into the AI waters. Pfizer and Eli Lilly. It’s not exactly thrilling, is it? But then, financial stability rarely is.

Pfizer: The One Trying to Reinvent Itself

Pfizer. They’ve been at the AI game for a while, apparently. Before it was even cool. Back when they were busy saving the world with the Covid vaccine (and, let’s be real, making a rather handsome profit). They used AI for that, you know. Speeding things up. Which is good. Because waiting is so stressful. Now they’re trying to apply it to everything – drug discovery, manufacturing, the works. It’s admirable, really. A bit like watching someone desperately trying to learn a new skill after years of doing things their own way.

The problem is, things haven’t been exactly rosy for Pfizer lately. The vaccine sales have dropped off (understandably, hopefully), and some of their older drugs are facing competition. Patent cliffs looming. It’s enough to give anyone palpitations. But they do have some promising candidates in the pipeline – a weight loss drug, some cancer treatments. It’s a long shot, of course. But AI might just help them shave a few months off the development time. Or, at least, reduce the number of failed experiments. Every little helps, doesn’t it? It’s not going to be a miracle overnight, but it could be a slow, steady improvement. And frankly, at this point, I’d settle for slow and steady.

Eli Lilly: The One That Seems to Have It All Figured Out

Then there’s Eli Lilly. Oh, Eli Lilly. They’ve gone and built the most powerful supercomputer in the pharmaceutical industry. A supercomputer. It sounds terribly intimidating. And expensive. But apparently, it’s going to help them develop new drugs. They’ve even got an AI innovation lab, where scientists are collaborating with Nvidia engineers. It all sounds terribly…efficient. And a bit smug, if I’m honest.

But the thing is, they’re already doing incredibly well. Their weight loss drug, Zepbound, is flying off the shelves. Apparently, it’s the best-selling drug in the world. Which is…slightly terrifying, if you think about it. But also, good for them. They’ve got other drugs in the pipeline, too. And a diversified portfolio. It’s all very…stable. And slightly infuriating. Because sometimes, you just want to root for the underdog. But, alas, Eli Lilly isn’t the underdog. It’s more like the…well-funded, highly-motivated, slightly smug frontrunner.

So, should you invest? Honestly, I have no idea. I’m just a slightly anxious investor, logging my thoughts for posterity (and, let’s be real, to justify my own questionable decisions). But if I had to pick one, I’d probably lean towards Eli Lilly. Because, let’s face it, sometimes it’s easier to ride the wave than to try and create one. And, frankly, I need a win. Units of Cryptocurrency Lost: 8. Hours Spent Watching Charts: 11. Number of Panicked Texts to Friends: 27. Must…remain…disciplined…long-term investor…

2026-03-09 18:04

Pfizer: The One Trying to Reinvent Itself

Eli Lilly: The One That Seems to Have It All Figured Out

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