In the regulated life sciences industry, the use of AI in translation is no longer a future goal. It’s a current requirement. As the volume and complexity of multilingual content continues to grow, technology is changing how language service providers meet the sector’s high standards for quality, speed, and compliance. At a BIG Language Solutions, our specialized life sciences division is embracing that transition.
We are not just experimenting with AI. We are using it strategically to deliver real results while maintaining the human oversight, and regulatory integrity the industry demands.
A Strategic Embrace of AI
According to a recent Slator report, 84 percent of language service buyers in life sciences are either using or exploring AI translation tools. We believe that number is only going to increase. Language service providers (LSPs) are already adopting these technologies, and customers expect their use. The risk of inaction by life sciences organizations, or the LSPs that serve them, is significant.
At BIG, we have been actively testing and implementing technology into our workflows. We’re deploying AI in ways that reflect industry best practices, support compliance, and align with client workflows. Our use of AI is thoughtful, well-structured, and always guided by human expertise.
Oversight and Integrity in a Regulated Environment
AI alone cannot deliver the level of accuracy required in high-stakes translations. Clinical documentation, regulatory filings, and product information must be error-free. Even small mistakes can result in serious consequences.
That is why we do not rely on AI alone. Every AI-assisted workflow at BIG is grounded in strong foundations:
- ISO-certified processes
- An in-house quality management system
- Human validation at key stages of every project
- Custom trained language models with post editing
These safeguards ensure that every translation we deliver, whether supported by AI or completed manually, meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.
When AI Fits: Use Cases That Deliver
We use AI where it is most effective and where it clearly benefits the client. This typically includes content that is:
- Finalized and approved
- Free of tracked changes, comments, or conflicting annotations
- Structured and ready for fast multilingual delivery
Examples include standard operating procedures, clinical trial materials, and scientific articles. In these situations, AI helps us reduce turnaround times across our 24 core European languages without compromising quality. It is a valuable tool that enhances the productivity of our linguists and improves efficiency for our clients.
When AI Does Not Fit: High-Stakes Content Like Product Information
Some content types are not suited to AI, and we don’t force it. Product information is one such category. These documents are highly regulated and often include tracked changes, comments, and formatting complexities that AI tools cannot interpret correctly.
While it may be technically possible to apply AI to files with these elements, doing so introduces unnecessary risk. These features are critical for regulatory review and must be preserved exactly as authored. Using AI in these cases could compromise source fidelity, misrepresent changes, or overwrite key annotations, making it unsuitable for high-stakes content like Product Information. In these scenarios, human-led processes remain the safest and most responsible choice to ensure accuracy of the final deliverable.
Building Trust Through Transparency
Clients trust us because we’re honest about when AI works and when it doesn’t. A few years ago, many of our clients weren’t open to using AI at all. Today, they’re asking about it and requesting use cases.
Some requests come through formal channels, while others reflect growing curiosity about how AI can help. In every case, we offer guidance. We help clients evaluate the risks and benefits, understand what’s possible, and make informed decisions together.
Beyond Translation: AI for Terminology and Asset Management
We’re also using AI in other areas that support the translation process. Two key areas of innovation include:
Automated Terminology Extraction
When working with hundreds of multilingual documents, identifying key terminology has traditionally been a manual task. With AI, we can extract terms automatically, generate machine translations when needed, and provide linguists with a curated list to validate. This approach improves consistency and reduces turnaround time.
AI-Assisted File Alignment
When clients return with updated documents such as annual reports, we aim to reuse as much previous content as possible. To do this, we align the new and old versions segment by segment. While some tools offer basic functionality, we’re currently developing a smarter, more reliable solution in partnership with our machine learning team.
These innovations support long-term quality, efficiency, and content reuse in a way that benefits both our teams and our clients.
A Long-Term View on Innovation
We’re not adopting automation for the sake of novelty. In fact, many of our competitors avoid working with complex, high-risk content like product information. That’s because it requires domain expertise and a long-term commitment to quality.
At BIG, we’ve spent years building that expertise. Our deep understanding of regulatory content allows us to support clients in ways others cannot. At the same time, we’re expanding into areas where AI can bring fast, measurable improvements. This balanced approach ensures that we protect what matters while continuing to innovate.
Moving Forward
We at BIG believe AI is a tool we use with care. It helps us scale our services, reduce turnaround times, and deliver consistent quality. But we never sacrifice oversight, transparency, or compliance. That’s what sets us apart.
The future of life science translation is not about choosing between machines and people. It is about combining the best of both to deliver reliable, efficient, and safe outcomes. We are proud to lead that future and to guide our clients through it every step of the way.
Reach out today and learn how BIG Language Solutions can improve the translation process for you.
