There are billions of dollars at stake for both companies and investors in biotech R&D. The traditional drug discovery process is expensive and time-consuming, and there is always the risk that a drug will fail clinical trials. However, game-changing technologies in artificial intelligence (AI) can expedite drug discovery, reduce costs, and improve the success rate of clinical trials. In this blog post, we will explore the techniques and benefits of AI for drug discovery and highlight successful case studies.
AI Techniques in Drug Discovery
AI modeling can serve a range of functions in the modern biotech laboratory. In the next few paragraphs we have highlighted some of the main methods in which these techniques can be employed in the research space.
First, AI is beneficial in identifying the important molecular compounds that have the potential to open doors for drug treatment. The virtual screening technique uses computational algorithms to analyze large libraries of compounds and identify candidates with the potential to bind to a specific target, such as a defective protein or viral receptor. From there, scientists can move towards testing in vitro, looking at various molecular interactions to hone it down to the best compound that yields the most effective results. With this technique, researchers are able to save time and costs dedicated to trials and expend more time on other processes that are more vital to drug discovery, such as maximizing efficacy in vitro.
Second, AI is able to employ predictive modeling techniques to enhance our understanding of molecular interactions, particularly through the application of molecular docking. This technique utilizes sophisticated algorithms that leverage the knowledge of amino acid sequences and chemical bonds to forecast and visualize the interaction between a small molecule and a protein target. By integrating predictive behavior into molecular docking, researchers can expedite the process of identifying potential drug candidates and better comprehend the underlying mechanisms of molecular interactions. This advancement not only reduces the reliance on traditional microscopy methods but also offers a more efficient and cost-effective approach to studying molecular interactions at a granular level.
Finally, generative models play a crucial role in the field of molecular discovery by leveraging the current database to create new combinations of molecules based on their binding potential. By harnessing the power of deep learning algorithms, generative models have the capability to propose innovative molecular structures with diverse combinations of atoms and functional groups, specifically designed to exhibit a high affinity for a specific target. These generated molecules present a valuable resource for identifying potential drug candidates that may have otherwise remained undiscovered through traditional drug discovery methods. In learning patterns and relationships within the existing database of molecules, generative models can propose entirely new molecular structures that adhere to the rules of chemical feasibility and exhibit desirable properties.
Benefits of AI in Drug Discovery
The implementation of AI techniques in the drug discovery process is revolutionizing the identification, prediction, and generation of potential drug candidates, leading to huge acceleration in the pace of development. This advancement is reducing the reliance on traditional cell culture and experimentation methods, resulting in significant time savings. Instead of spending excessive time navigating through complex Excel spreadsheets or conducting laborious physical chemical measurements and manipulations, researchers can now leverage AI-powered tools to expedite these processes, then validate them in a wet lab. By automating and streamlining these tasks, researchers not only gain more time for other crucial activities but also increase their chances of outpacing competitors and bringing their products to market swiftly.
Moreover, these techniques have the capacity to reduce the cost of drug development by minimizing the number of compounds that require synthesis and subsequent laboratory testing. While there may be an initial investment in acquiring the machinery and infrastructure necessary for implementing AI, the long-term cost savings achieved through the use of AI significantly outweigh those associated with traditional techniques. The ability of AI models to predict and prioritize potential drug candidates based on their properties and interactions allows researchers to focus their efforts and resources on the most promising compounds. This strategic approach minimizes unnecessary expenses associated with synthesizing and testing numerous compounds that are less likely to be effective.
Furthermore, AI techniques contribute to improving the success rate of clinical trials, which results in substantial time and cost savings. By employing AI algorithms, researchers can identify drug candidates with a higher likelihood of success, based on their predicted efficacy, safety profiles, and other relevant factors. This targeted approach ensures that resources are invested in clinical trials that have a higher probability of yielding positive outcomes, thus reducing the risk of trial failures and associated financial setbacks. Consequently, AI techniques enable a more efficient allocation of resources and enhance the overall efficiency and success rate of clinical trials.
Case Studies
There are numerous successful examples of AI-driven drug discovery that showcase the remarkable potential of machine learning in revolutionizing the field. One such groundbreaking instance is the discovery of a new antibiotic known as halicin. In 2020, a team of scientists led by Jonathan Stokes and Kevin Yang harnessed the power of a deep learning algorithm, which had been trained on an extensive database containing properties of over 2,500 molecules. This database encompassed vital characteristics such as solubility, toxicity, and bioavailability.
By leveraging this algorithm, the researchers successfully identified halicin as a promising candidate for its potential antibiotic properties. What makes halicin particularly remarkable is not only its distinct structural composition, setting it apart from conventional antibiotics, but also its ability to target a broad spectrum of phylogenetic bacteria. Notably, it exhibits efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacterium notorious for its nearly complete resistance to the majority of existing antibiotics.
The discovery of halicin, enabled by the advancements in machine learning showcased in this research paper, signifies a pivotal milestone in the realm of drug discovery. It serves as a compelling testament to the power and potential of AI-driven approaches in identifying novel compounds with life-saving properties. By leveraging machine learning algorithms trained on extensive datasets, researchers can efficiently navigate the vast chemical space, accelerating the identification of promising drug candidates and potentially addressing urgent medical needs.
The Outlook of AI in Biotech R&D
AI is driving a transformative shift in the field of drug discovery, revolutionizing the entire process by expediting discoveries, optimizing costs, and enhancing the efficiency of clinical trials. With Limmi, a cutting-edge AI platform, you can harness the power of the AI techniques discussed in this post within your own laboratory. By leveraging Limmi, you gain access to state-of-the-art algorithms and tools that enable you to accelerate your drug discovery efforts. We invite you to start today.
References
Stokes JM, Yang K, Swanson K, Jin W, Cubillos-Ruiz A, Donghia NM, McNair CR, French S, Carfrae LA, Bloom-Ackermann Z, Tran VM, Chiappino-Pepe A, Badran AH, Andrews IW, Chory EJ, Church GM, Brown ED, Jaakkola TS, Barzilay R, Collins JJ. A deep learning approach to antibiotic discovery. Cell 2020;180:688–702.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867420301021.
