U.S. Midterms 2026, Epistemic AI on Democratic Victory: “Stricter Rules Are Possible, but Room Must Be Left for Evidence-Based Applications”

In an interview with LaPresse, Epistemic AI CEO and co-founder Stefano Pacifico discusses how the U.S. midterms could affect AI and biomedical research.

The English translation below explains his call for rules that protect patients and sensitive data while supporting AI applications backed by solid evidence.

“It is possible” that, following the Democrats’ electoral victory in the United States, “the legislative direction could lead to stricter regulations for companies operating in artificial intelligence. That could happen. In our industry, regulations must protect patients and sensitive data. But they must also leave room for AI applications supported by solid evidence that can improve research and decision-making. And it is too early to speak of a general reversal in policy.”

So said Stefano Pacifico, CEO and co-founder of Epistemic AI, in an interview with LaPresse.

With 20 years of experience in applied artificial intelligence research internationally, particularly in the United States, Pacifico created in New York the first ChatGPT-like system for biomedical sciences, capable of providing accurate and comprehensive answers to thousands of scientific questions.

Asked whether there would be a shift away from the Trump era, Pacifico replied that “it is too early to tell.”

Before speaking of “a general reversal in policy,” he explained, “we need to examine decisions on research funding, data, and the regulatory framework. I hope that support will continue for AI applications that deliver tangible benefits to patients.”

Pacifico emphasized that “artificial intelligence is not just data centers and technology giants.”

“Getting better medicines to patients sooner benefits everyone. That is what makes me optimistic: AI serving healthcare can attract support across political divides,” said the Epistemic AI CEO.

Regulations for Companies and Support for Biomedical Research

To determine whether the concerns of AI-focused companies are justified, it is necessary to understand which policy decisions have the greatest impact on the sector.

“What matters is access to reliable scientific information,” Pacifico explained, “clear rules on the responsible use of data, certainty about the criteria used to evaluate AI, and support for biomedical research.

“At Epistemic AI, we help biopharmaceutical companies and governments make better decisions in drug development. Better decision-making can help develop better medicines more efficiently. But the benefits must be demonstrated, not taken for granted.”

Regarding the markets’ immediate reaction to the election results, particularly Big Tech and AI stocks, with shares of companies involved in building data centers falling in the wake of the Democrats’ blue wave in the United States, Pacifico declined to speculate.

“I am not a stock market analyst. I would be cautious about attributing short-term stock price movements to a single political cause.

“What I can speak to, however, is the long-term opportunity: making biomedical research more useful and more efficient. The value of AI in biomedical research is measured by evidence and results,” he concluded.