Multiple biotech entities reported breakthroughs applying AI to drug discovery and trial optimization. Variational AI announced a $349 million strategic deal with Merck to deploy its Enki generative AI platform for small molecule development targeting undisclosed disease pathways. Separately, Advarra launched Study Design, an AI-powered protocol optimization tool comparing thousands of clinical trial designs to identify inefficiencies, speeding timelines. These developments promise to accelerate therapeutic pipeline development with improved precision and efficiency.