Will AI and digital twins make animal testing in drug discovery obsolete with Professor Julie Frearson

Tech Tomorrow

AI and digital twins are redrawing the boundaries of drug discovery. Once defined by lab benches, animal studies, and years of trial and error, the field is now embracing virtual methodologies that promise faster, safer, and more precise innovation. But could these technologies ever make animal testing obsolete?

In this episode of Tech Tomorrow, David Elliman speaks with Professor Julie Frearson, SVP and Chief Scientific Officer at Charles River Laboratories, about how artificial intelligence is transforming early-stage drug discovery. Julie explains how AI is already accelerating small-molecule design and enabling the use of virtual control animals, reducing the need for live testing without compromising scientific integrity.

They also unpack the growing challenges of explainability, bias, and regulation in AI-driven science. From ensuring transparency and accountability in complex models to understanding how regulators like the FDA are beginning to accept hybrid data sets that combine in vivo results with AI predictions, the discussion balances optimism with realism in a rapidly evolving field.

Ultimately, Professor Julie and David agree that while AI is reshaping discovery, humans must remain firmly in the loop. For now, it is the only way to ensure that innovation remains both ethical, trustworthy, and safe.

Episode Highlights:

01:31 – Areas of drug discovery already transformed by AI and digital twins.

03:25 – Digital twins in animal testing and the creation of “virtual animals.”

05:50 – David’s thoughts: What executives often get wrong about digital twins.

07:30 – How digital twins accurately recreate parts of animals.

10:11 – How regulation currently views AI models in drug discovery.

13:30 – The timeline for regulators to become more comfortable with hybrid data sets.

14:37 – David’s thoughts: How ‘black box’ AI processes create challenges, and how to address them.

16:31 – The role of humans in the drug discovery loop.

17:37 – Will technology outpace regulation?

20:34 – Could AI and digital twins make animal testing in drug discovery obsolete?

About Zühlke:
Zühlke is a global transformation partner, with engineering and innovation at its core. We help clients envision and build their businesses for the future – running smarter today while adapting for tomorrow’s markets, customers, and communities.

Our multidisciplinary teams specialise in technology strategy and business innovation, digital solutions and applications, and device and systems engineering. We thrive in complex, regulated sectors such as healthcare and finance, connecting strategy, implementation, and operations to help clients build more effective and resilient businesses.

Links:

• Zühlke Website
• Zühlke on LinkedIn
• David Elliman on LinkedIn
• Professor Julie Frearson on LinkedIn
• Charles River Laboratories Website