USC Explores AI-Driven Partnerships in India to Combat Non-Communicable Diseases

The University of Southern California (USC) looks to partner with Indian organizations to address pressing healthcare issues, fostering innovation and collaborative solutions.

The University of Southern California (USC) is exploring collaborations with Indian institutions and companies to address shared healthcare challenges, with a focus on managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and improving healthcare delivery.

During his recent visit to India, Steven Chen, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and the William A. and Josephine A. Heeres Chair in Community Pharmacy at USC, highlighted the potential for bilateral learning and innovation.

“India, like the United States, faces a rising burden of NCDs and an aging population. Through collaboration, we can leverage each other’s strengths to find impactful solutions,” said Chen.

Chen noted that USC is particularly interested in leveraging India’s growing expertise in AI. AI has the potential to significantly reduce the time and costs associated with drug discovery and development.

“By using AI to manage and analyze large datasets, we can accelerate processes by as much as 50 percent while enhancing healthcare outcomes,” he added.

Focus on Pharmacy & Clinical Research

Chen emphasized the critical role of pharmacists in healthcare, particularly in India, where they often serve as the first point of contact for patients.

USC aims to bring advanced training programs to India, focusing on clinical skills, patient simulations, and evidence-based practices to improve the management of chronic conditions.

USC also plans to collaborate on clinical research initiatives, leveraging India’s efficient research systems and diverse population for impactful clinical trials. “This can not only accelerate drug development but also lead to better healthcare outcomes for both countries,” Chen said.

Highlighting the importance of addressing healthcare disparities, Chen stressed the need for innovative, community-based approaches to improve access to quality healthcare in underserved and rural areas.

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