A captivating debate is unfolding regarding applications of AI in pharma. In his book, AI Superpowers, and recent appearance on CBS 60 Minutes, Kai Fu Lee inspiringly represents the vision that AI will supersede all human decision-making one day. However, while initially met with significant enthusiasm, most attempts to incorporate AI into drug discovery and clinical development so far, have resulted in limited success. The thought-provoking pieces by David Shaywitz and Vas Narasimhan offer an insight into scientific and practical challenges involved with AI applications in the field.