Applying AI and Data Science to the Fight Against COVID-19: The Science and Legal Considerations

In this second of a four-part podcast series on the science, regulatory framework, commercial transactions, and privacy and data security considerations of each unique aspect of the current health crisis, Michael Ward, MoFo partner and global head of the firm’s Life Sciences Group and Patent Group, discusses the issues, among other topics, with:

• Jean Nguyen, patent associate, founder and co-leader of the firm’s Life Sciences Data Analytics patent group: How are companies using AI and machine learning to combat the coronavirus? Can this technology predict who is at risk? How might this technology be helpful in predicting how COVID-19 or any other virus is spreading?
• Kristen Mathews, partner in MoFo’s Global Privacy + Data Security practice: What are privacy issues involved with contact tracing? Who has access to this data? What kind of government guidelines are being put in place regarding how the data is collected?
• Matt Karlyn, partner in MoFo’s Commercial Life Sciences Transactions + Licensing Group and in the firm’s Technology Transactions practice: What developments have you seen with regard to cloud computing and AI? How are companies collaborating to use this data in the fight against COVID-19? What are some of the legal issues companies should be aware of when negotiating deals involving data and AI?
• Bethany Hills, partner and head of MoFo’s FDA Regulatory + Life Sciences Compliance practice: What are some of the ways the FDA is addressing the use of AI and software in fighting COVID-19? Is the software critical to new ways of providing care during the pandemic? Any other firsts for the FDA in recent months?