UAE-backed biotech firm tests AI-designed drug.
A biotech company backed by the UAE has commenced clinical trials on a drug that was discovered and formulated using artificial intelligence, Insilico Medicine, a Hong Kong-based company with a research and development center in Abu Dhabi, utilized advanced technology to develop a drug targeting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease characterized by lung scarring and breathing difficulties.
AI-Designed Drug Enters Phase II Trials with Promising Potential
The company announced that it has administered the first dose of the drug, named INS018_055, to patients in Phase II trials. It plans to recruit an additional 60 participants for the study, with trial sites in the United States and China , The 12-week trial aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of the orally-administered drug against fibrosis and inflammation, offering a potential treatment option for patients worldwide, according to Feng Ren, Chief Scientific Officer of Insilico Medicine ,Dr. Alex Zhavoronkov, the founder and co-CEO of the health tech company, expressed his belief in the potential of AI-powered drug development. He emphasized that initiating Phase II trials for the novel inhibitor in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a significant milestone for AI-driven drug discovery and development.
AI Offers Hope for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment and Drug Discovery
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis predominantly affects individuals aged 70 and above, with limited occurrence among those under 50. While existing treatments can alleviate symptoms, there is currently no known method to halt or reverse lung scarring ,AI's ability to enhance patient care is significant. Traditional drug discovery is a time-consuming and costly process, often taking several years and costing millions of dollars for preclinical stages. However, AI tools can streamline this process, offering hope for patients worldwide.
UAE's Support for AI-driven Medicine and Cutting-edge Research Centre
AI can analyze extensive datasets to deepen the understanding of diseases and identify genes and proteins that can counteract them. Moreover, AI can simulate drug effects, predict outcomes, and support the design of crucial medications , The UAE has shown support for Insilico Medicine, which recently established its Generative Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing Research and Development Centre in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. The center's opening was celebrated as Abu Dhabi's strong and stable economy, advanced infrastructure, prime location, and highly educated talent make it an attractive hub for high-tech companies.
