Russia Is Using AI to Accelerate Cancer Drug Development

Artificial intelligence is fast becoming a cornerstone of cancer drug development in Russia, with new technologies shrinking R&D timelines from decades to just a couple of years.

In a major push to modernize oncology research, Russian pharmaceutical group Promomed is integrating artificial intelligence into every stage of cancer drug development. From analyzing genetic data and protein interactions to identifying promising molecular candidates, AI is helping researchers slash timelines and costs associated with traditional drug discovery.

According to experts cited by RIA Novosti, combining genomics with biomathematics enables new cancer treatments to be developed in as little as two years—a significant leap from the typical decade-long process. AI tools are now capable of eliminating up to 80 percent of ineffective compounds early on, drastically cutting down the need to screen hundreds of molecules. Instead, researchers can focus on the most viable candidates from the start.

In June 2025, Promomed signed a partnership agreement with Sberbank’s research institute and the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (AIRI) to launch a specialized AI-powered platform for the pharmaceutical sector. The system is designed to help companies scale development and deliver life-saving drugs more efficiently.

The integration of artificial intelligence into Russia’s healthcare ecosystem signals a broader shift toward personalized medicine and next-gen drug development. While the fight against cancer remains complex, AI is now a vital part of the country’s strategy to speed up breakthroughs and improve patient outcomes.