The life sciences and health care industry entered 2026 in a state of rapid change. Regulation is evolving quickly, technology is more deeply embedded in products and operations, and companies face growing pressure to adapt across global markets. Artificial intelligence is no longer experimental: it is now used throughout the lifecycle of drugs and medical devices – from research and development to approval, manufacturing, and monitoring after launch. Regulators in the U.S., UK, Asia-Pacific region, and Europe are responding by issuing new guidance, using AI in their own reviews, and paying closer attention to consumer‑facing tools such as chatbots, clinical decision support, and digital health applications.