Ref. Ares(2022)6215449 - 08/09/2022
Meeting with
, Johnson & Johnson, 12 July 2022, 11:00
Participants:
Commission:
Werner Stengg, CAB of EVP Vestager
Topics: AI Act, European Health Data Space, Data Act, Pharmaceutical
opened the meeting by presenting Johnson & Johnson. Most of the company’s revenue
comes from pharmaceuticals.
highlighted that Johnson & Johnson is moving into a more
databased company, which is why the digital legislation is relevant to them.
explained that the use of AI is increasing across the company, and they see considerable
potential in using AI in medical technology. In addition, digitalisation makes it possible for patients to
interact with doctors. The use of AI and increased patient data help doctors make better decisions.
The digitisation of surgery is moving forward, but not fast enough.
The next step in healthcare is Robots. AI can move from descriptive and analysis to prescriptive but
has to stay trustworthy, which is why human decisions and engagement from doctors are still
needed. Robots are moving slowly in this area in contrast to logistics etc.
raised three concerns regarding the AI Act. First, he worried about the interaction with
other regulations and the possibilities of duplicating existing legislation. They wondered how the
Commission would make all the regulations come together, also due to the timelines given. Second,
they saw significant potential in regulatory sandboxes but worried about challenges in practice. They
underlined that the medical practice today is not ready for AI and saw a risk of fragmentation
between member states. Last, they worried about the definition of AI.
On the Data Act, they advocated for a restrictive interpretation of “exceptional needs”, when it
comes to data sharing obligations from companies to governments. As for the B2C2B data sharing
obligations, they argued that the commercially sensitive nature of certain medical devices needed to
be duly considered (e.g. when clinical studies are concerned).
Mr Stengg took good note of the points raised. He explained that the Commission focuses on
innovation and trustworthiness and wants to avoid fragmentation.