Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacology: From Drug Discovery to Personalized Medicine and Future Horizons

Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as one of the most influential technologies in healthcare, with pharmacology standing at the forefront of its applications. By harnessing large and complex datasets, AI has accelerated drug discovery, improved clinical trial efficiency, enabled model-informed precision dosing, and provided new insights into pharmacogenomics and adverse drug reaction prediction. Recent advances, such as deep learning models for protein structure prediction and reinforcement learning for individualized dosing strategies, illustrate the potential of AI to transform every stage of the drug development and utilization cycle. At the same time, challenges remain significant. Issues of algorithmic transparency, dataset quality, bias, and hidden stratification continue to affect reproducibility and clinical trust. Regulatory frameworks are still evolving, and ethical concerns surrounding accountability, privacy, and equity demand urgent attention. The integration of AI into pharmacology is further complicated by infrastructural limitations in low- and middle-income countries, which risk widening existing disparities in healthcare delivery. Nevertheless, opportunities for innovation are vast. Blockchain technologies promise secure and transparent data exchange; federated learning enables collaborative modeling without compromising patient privacy; and integration with precision medicine holds the promise of tailored therapies based on genetic and phenotypic profiles. These developments point toward a future where AI is not a mere tool but a foundational element of pharmacological research and practice. Overall, AI has demonstrated the capacity to improve efficiency, accuracy, and personalization in pharmacology, but its long-term success will depend on inclusive datasets, robust governance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With careful implementation, AI can move from promise to practice, shaping a safer and more innovative future.