An Yong Wu Xiaoying: AI pharmaceuticals have reached a value watershed, and clinical data is "hard currency"

During the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, Wu Xiaoying, Managing Partner of Consulting Services at EY Greater China, stated in an interview: "I do not really agree that a substantial 'intergenerational gap' has already formed." Faced with the question from reporters about whether there is a "intergenerational gap" in valuation logic and bargaining power in the AI pharmaceutical industry compared to traditional biotech, Wu Xiaoying gave a clear judgment. In her view, what really sets companies apart is still the quality of the pipeline and clinical data. "Multinational pharmaceutical companies are willing to pay a high premium, usually focusing on whether the assets can solve specific clinical issues. AI improves efficiency in discovery and optimization, but transactions are rarely formed solely using AI," Wu Xiaoying said.