**FDA Unveils AI Platform "Elsa" to Revolutionize Internal Operations**

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a groundbreaking AI platform named Elsa, aiming to transform the agency's internal workflows significantly. This new technology, which handles tasks such as drug safety evaluations and inspection targeting, is part of the FDA's broader initiative to modernize and optimize its operations.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary highlighted the success of Elsa's rollout, which not only met but exceeded expectations by launching ahead of its original June 30 deadline and staying under budget. He emphasized the collaborative efforts of the agency's in-house scientific leaders in achieving this milestone.

Elsa, which operates within the FDA's secure GovCloud environment, marks a significant leap in the agency's use of artificial intelligence. It performs various functions, including summarizing adverse event reports, comparing drug labels, generating code for nonclinical databases, and assisting inspectors in identifying high-risk sites more efficiently. Makary underscored that all data remains secure within the agency and is not used for training AI models with external industry data.

Jeremy Walsh, the FDA’s Chief AI Officer, described Elsa's launch as "the dawn of the AI era at the FDA." He emphasized that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a tangible force that is enhancing and optimizing the FDA's operations.

As Elsa continues to evolve, the FDA plans to extend its capabilities further into data automation and other generative AI technologies. This initiative is part of the FDA's comprehensive strategy to leverage AI for improved public service.

The introduction of Elsa aligns with a broader federal agenda to incorporate AI into governmental functions. Following new guidance from the White House issued in April, agencies are now required to assign AI leadership roles and develop internal policies for managing AI's high-risk applications. This movement reflects a larger trend wherein both federal and private sectors are increasingly investing in AI to enhance operational efficiency and innovate business structures.

In a related context, private sector leaders are also exploring how AI can reshape business paradigms. At the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev predicted the rise of AI-powered solo ventures, suggesting a future where single-person companies operate autonomously through generative tools and could even be tokenized and traded on blockchains.

The FDA's successful deployment of Elsa is a landmark in the ongoing integration of AI within federal agencies, setting a precedent for future technological advancements and efficiencies.