Exploring the Potential of Transformative Technology
The drug discovery process is intricate and challenging, often marked by a blend of hurdles and advancements. Traditionally, this journey has been arduous, expensive, and extremely time-intensive, underscoring the long-standing need for innovative approaches.
Enter Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML). AI/ML is ready to redefine the realm of drug discovery and development. The application of this technology promises substantial improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and speed; although its successful application depends heavily on the availability of high-quality data.1
The integration of AI into traditional drug discovery processes can notably accelerate and enhance various stages of development while reducing the costs associated with extensive experimentation.2 This evolution has been driven by the procurement of diverse biological and chemical data, fueling what can be described as an “AI revolution” in biomedical sciences. This approach allows the extraction of valuable insights and the identification of complex patterns that are beyond the reach of human recognition.3
With the widespread adoption of AI/ML across multiple scientific disciplines and advances in computing hardware and software, this transformative trend in drug discovery is expected to continue and expand.4 The stage is set for an industry transition, overcoming early skepticism to embrace the next generation of computational drug discovery methods.
Bridging the Computational Divide
The shift from traditional computational chemistry to AI/ML represents a pivotal change in drug discovery. Originally focused on comparing disparate datasets for limited insights, the field evolved to address the demand for more advanced, scalable, and intuitive tools. This change, fueled by abundant data on ligand properties and therapeutic targets, has revolutionized ligand screening and exploration of extensive chemical spaces.
These advancements have enabled the development of structure-based virtual screening of giga-scale chemical libraries and deep learning predictions of ligand properties and target activities, further enhancing drug discovery efficiency.5
Transforming Drug Discovery With AI/ML
The evolution of AI/ML in drug discovery is akin to the transformative shift from manual calculations to advanced computing. These technologies have progressed from auxiliary tools to a place of centrality in the drug discovery process. This transition is driven by the increasing complexity of chemical space and the nuanced demands of early drug development stages. At Logica®, we are driven to help lead this transformation, innovating with solutions and challenging the industry to think differently.
The Power of Predictive Modeling
At the heart of this industry transformation is predictive modeling, a crucial element of AI/ML that is reshaping drug discovery. It facilitates accurate predictions of target druggability and ligandability, playing a vital role in evaluating target-to-disease relationships and guiding the feasibility and timing of drug development efforts. Machine learning, especially methods utilizing pathway signatures, has shown effectiveness in diverse areas, including precision medicine, drug repurposing, and drug discovery.
The growing use of ML for analyzing biomedical data, particularly transcriptomics, has become increasingly prevalent. This data modality is instrumental in revealing molecular and phenotypic changes in altered states and is frequently used in pathway analyses. This methodology simplifies the training of AI/ML models by reducing complexity and enhancing interpretive power, thereby fortifying the role of these technologies in drug discovery.6
Logica’s approach uniquely combines Charles River’s wet lab experimental capabilities with Valo Health’s AI, creating a feedback loop between experiments and predictions. This fully integrated, seamless approach is intended to accelerate and improve the efficiency of the entire workflow.
Navigating Challenges: AI/ML in Target Identification
Innovating in drug discovery often means tackling first-in-class or complex targets. AI/ML is instrumental, not just in providing solutions, but in facilitating a deeper understanding of the unique challenges each target presents. Effective communication with clients to align expectations and strategies is essential in both the scientific and commercial aspects of drug development. Logica’s AI-driven solutions, backed by a wealth of diverse data present a distinct advantage in this area.
Collaborative Efforts in Overcoming Obstacles
Collaboration is vital in effectively leveraging AI/ML in drug discovery, involving transparent and timely cooperation between AI/ML specialists, drug developers, and clients. Logica exemplifies this with a relationship that is integrated and scientific, not transactional. This approach is crucial for understanding and addressing specific client needs, thereby facilitating the navigation of complex novel targets and drug development pathways.
The integration of AI in drug discovery, particularly in rapidly identifying treatments for emerging diseases, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and data sharing. Openly sharing data, critical analyses, and methods allows AI to aid in various aspects of drug discovery, including in silico property prediction and the identification of effective drug candidates. AI algorithms can efficiently scan large compound libraries for potential candidates, thus showcasing their ability to guide experimental screening efforts with limited initial data.7
Much of the potential of AI/ML in drug discovery lies in exploring larger chemical spaces for novel compound designs. These algorithms complement and augment the work of medicinal chemists by enabling more effective exploration of vast, untapped chemical possibilities. Once AI identifies a set of promising candidates, medicinal chemists can employ their expertise to analyze, modify, and refine the search for effective treatments.
The synergistic relationship between advanced AI tools and human experts is the true key to overcoming the challenges in drug discovery and maximizing AI/ML benefits.7
The Future of AI/ML in Drug Discovery
As AI/ML technologies continue to advance, they should continue to reshape the landscape of drug discovery; what we’ve seen thus far is just the beginning.
Logica is not just keeping up; we aim to lead and innovate, disrupting competitors and challenging the status quo. As an artificial intelligence drug discovery service offering harnessing the synergy of Valo Health’s cutting-edge AI platform and Charles River’s extensive experience and data generation capabilities, we are uniquely equipped to do so. Our commitment lies in optimizing these technologies to refine the drug development process and expedite the delivery of effective treatments to patients faster.
Looking forward, we anticipate playing an increasingly significant role in the evolution of the drug development landscape. Our focus remains on leveraging AI/ML to discover novel, effective therapeutic solutions, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and ushering in a new era in healthcare and medicine.
Ready to Harness the Power of AI and ML in Your Drug Discovery Program? Partner with Logica to leverage our expertise and innovative approaches for a more efficient and successful drug development journey.
This blog is part of a series. Continue reading part 2: Unpacking Drug Discovery Culture and Adoption Opportunities for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
References
1 Blanco-Gonzalez, A., et al. The Role of AI in Drug Discovery: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies. Pharmaceuticals. Published 2023 June 18. 18;16(6):891.
2 Ayers, M., et al. Adopting AI in Drug Discovery. Boston Consulting Group. Published 2022 March 29.
3 Santa Maria Jr., J.P., et al. Perspective on the challenges and opportunities of accelerating drug discovery with artificial intelligence. Frontiers in Bioinformatics. Published 2023 February 23.
4 Jiménez-Luna, J., et al. Artificial intelligence in drug discovery: recent advances and future perspectives. Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery. Published 2021 April 2.
5 Sadybekov, A.V., and Katritch, V. Computational approaches streamlining drug discovery. Nature. Published 2023 April 26.
6 Khatami, S.G., et al. Using predictive machine learning models for drug response simulation by calibrating patient-specific pathway signatures. Nature. Published 2021 October 27.
7 Barzilay, R., and Jaakkola, T. The race for a cure. Royal Society of Chemistry. Published 2020 June 3.