This review delves into the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the pharmaceutical industry, exploring a wide spectrum of clinical and commercial applications, challenges and risks, potential solutions, and future outlooks as these domains converge. With the rapid advancement of AI, this review addresses the profound implications of AI in the life sciences sector, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize drug discovery, clinical trials, personalized medicine, pharmacovigilance, sales, and marketing. While lauding the paradigm-shifting prospects, this paper confronts the ethical, privacy, and bias risks entwined with AI development and deployment. Forward-looking solutions, including fortified data governance frameworks, transparent AI algorithms, and interdisciplinary alliances, stand as bulwarks against these impediments. Furthermore, it considers the possibilities afforded to AI by emergent technologies, such as quantum cloud computing and low-code solutions. In conclusion, this review envisions a future where AI, in collaboration with innovative technologies, reshapes the pharmaceutical landscape. By promoting informed discussions and collaboration, this review seeks to empower the industry to harness the transformative potential of AI in an ethical manner.