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Cognizant extends Gilead Sciences partnership to advance AI-enabled DevOps
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Cognizant has agreed to a five-year extension of its work with Gilead Sciences, expanding support for DevOps capabilities and the responsible application of agentic AI across selected technology programmes at the biopharmaceutical company.
The agreement builds on more than a decade of collaboration during which Cognizant has supported elements of Gilead's global IT infrastructure, platforms, applications and advanced analytics.
The expanded scope will focus on practical technology use cases intended to simplify processes, improve delivery and help Gilead's teams execute priority programmes more efficiently.
Extending a long-standing technology partnership
The agreement continues an established relationship between the two companies, with Cognizant bringing its life sciences and technology expertise to Gilead's development and operations environment.
The extended engagement adds support for selected DevOps and AI-enabled capabilities as Gilead strengthens the technology foundations underpinning its business and scientific priorities.
Rather than representing a wholesale technology transformation, the agreement focuses on specific programmes where improvements to development practices, operational processes and AI adoption can support delivery.
Applying agentic AI to DevOps
DevOps brings software development and IT operations closer together, helping teams improve how applications are developed, tested, deployed and maintained.
The addition of agentic AI introduces the possibility of using AI systems to assist with tasks and workflows across these processes. The practical objective is to help teams simplify work and improve execution while maintaining appropriate oversight.
Under the agreement, Cognizant will support Gilead in evaluating and applying AI tools responsibly across selected technology programmes. The companies have not disclosed specific deployment timelines or individual AI use cases.
Keeping technology aligned with patient priorities
For Gilead, the technology agenda supports a broader mission focused on delivering medicines and improving patient outcomes.
Anna Berg Asberg, Global CIO at Gilead, said the agreement would provide additional support as the company strengthens its DevOps capabilities and evaluates practical, responsible uses of AI across its technology environment.
The focus on reliable and efficient technology reflects the role that digital systems play in supporting the operations of a global biopharmaceutical business.
Combining life sciences and technology expertise
Cognizant will bring together its experience in life sciences, DevOps and AI tools to support Gilead's selected programmes.
Surya Gummadi, President, Americas at Cognizant, said the work would combine these capabilities to help improve delivery across the programmes in scope.
Mohammad Haque, Global Head of Intelligent Enterprise Platforms & Large Deals at Cognizant, also highlighted the application of the company's technology capabilities and industry experience to Gilead's priorities, with an emphasis on operational efficiency and programme execution. <Cite refs={["turn149001search10","turn149001search13"]}/>
A measured approach to enterprise AI
The agreement reflects a broader enterprise trend: organisations are exploring how agentic AI can support operational work while balancing potential benefits with reliability, oversight and responsible deployment.
In regulated industries such as life sciences, technology changes must also support the requirements of complex business and scientific environments.
For Cognizant and Gilead, the extended partnership provides a framework for developing DevOps capabilities and assessing practical AI applications over the next five years, building on an established technology relationship.
About Cognizant
Cognizant is a technology services provider that works with organisations on digital transformation, technology modernisation, AI and enterprise operations. Its services span technology and industry-specific capabilities, including life sciences.
About Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company focused on researching, developing and delivering medicines for areas of significant unmet medical need. Its work includes treatments across HIV, viral hepatitis, oncology and other disease areas