Top 6 Companies Using AI In Drug Discovery And Development

What if coming up with a new drug could be measured in days rather than years? What if new medication would cost thousands instead of billions of dollars? Just look at how an AI pharma start-up developed a potential new drug in 46 days! Artificial intelligence technologies promise to speed up the process of drug discovery and development and make it more cost-effective. As the market is flourishing, and it takes time and effort to separate the wheat from the chaff, we collected the most promising AI pharma companies out there.

Drug design is a key area AI is revolutionizing. In one of our latest database projects, we decided to venture into this territory and collect the companies that use artificial intelligence for this purpose. To add more value than what’s already available, our goal was not only to list these but also to determine their fields of operation, their target group and other, so far unmapped details.

The future is about speed and savings

New drugs are approved through human clinical trials: rigorous,
year-long procedures starting in animal trials and gradually moving to
patients. They typically cost billions of dollars and take many years to
complete, sometimes more than a decade. Plus, patients in trials are exposed to
side effects that cannot be predicted or expected. And even if the trial is
successful, it has to go through a regulatory approval: it may or may not
receive the nod of the respective regulatory agency, e.g. the US Food and Drugs
Administration (FDA).

Luckily, there’s an abundance of technologies and companies that want to change the status quo. One way to modernise the drug testing process is applying technologies to the traditional framework, for example, through online platforms to seek out participants; while an alternative way is to use human organs-on-chips or in silico trials. These all aim to speed up the process, save thousands of dollars and unburden patients.

However, when looking at all these technologies, artificial intelligence is the most advanced and most multifaceted. The technology helps companies aggregate and synthesize a lot of information that’s needed for clinical trials, thus shortening the drug development process. It can also help understand the mechanisms of the disease, establish biomarkers, generate data, models, or novel drug candidates, design or redesign drugs, run preclinical experiments, design and run clinical trials, and even analyse the real-world experience.

The number of already existing AI companies in drug development reflects the manifold usage of the technology: they are many and increasing day by day.

Nevertheless, we managed to choose our six favorites, so here you go!

1) The company that mines clinical trials: Antidote

US and UK-based Antidote is focusing on matching patients and medical researchers in clinical trials so they could work together more easily. The platform allows patients to find the most suitable clinical trials, helps researchers stream their latest study information to millions of patients, and even connects them with members of the medical community directly. It’s basically a very efficient online platform for enhancing access to clinical trials.

By combining proprietary technologies, data, and well-established business models, the company is transforming the way patients and researchers connect so that breakthroughs can happen faster. The company was launched under the name of TrialReach in 2010, but it got rebranded to Antidote in 2016.

2) The company with tangible results: Atomwise

The most well-known company in drug discovery aims to reduce the costs of medicine development by using supercomputers to predict from a database of molecular structures in advance which potential medicines will work, and which won’t. Their deep convolutional neural network, AtomNet, screens more than 100 million compounds each day.

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In 2015, Atomwise launched a virtual search for safe, existing medicines that could be redesigned to treat the Ebola virus. They found two drug candidates predicted by the company’s AI technology which may significantly reduce Ebola infectivity. This analysis, which typically would have taken months or years, was completed in less than one day! Imagine how efficient drug creation would become if such clinical trials could be run at the “ground zero” level of health care, namely in pharmacies.

3) The company that concentrates on cancer drugs: Turbine.AI

A dedicated team of A.I. developers, medical professionals, and bioinformaticians has spent 6 years researching and building an artificial intelligence solution to design personalised treatments for any cancer type or patient faster than any traditional healthcare service. The technology models cell biology on the molecular level, it can identify the best drug to target a specific tumor with; moreover, it identifies complex biomarkers and design combination therapies by performing millions of simulated experiments each day.

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The key to Turbine’s uniqueness is its molecular model of cancer biology guided by an AI to identify the biomarkers that signal sensitivity to treatment. As a result, the technology is already used in collaborations with Bayer, the University of Cambridge and top Hungarian research groups to find new cancer cures, speed up the time to market them and save the lives of patients suffering from currently incurable forms of the lethal disease.

4) The company with a comprehensive structure from genomic to clinical data: Row Analytics

The Oxford-based data analytics company operating since 2013 specializes in digital health, precision medicine, genomics, and semantic search. It is delivering a range of highly innovative data analytics platforms, for example, PrecisionLife for drug discovery.

The platform combines AI methods and data analytics to look at multiple genetic variants in combinations across a range of diseases. As they are able to complete the process in weeks instead of months, even for large disease populations with tens of thousands of patients, this enables the rapid identification of novel drug candidates and potential drugs to repurpose.

5) The company with research excellence in in-silico genomics: Deep Genomics

Brendan Frey’s company promises to solve the biggest puzzle in genetics: to get to know exactly what information the genome could provide for patients, medical professionals, and researchers. For doing so, Deep Genomics is leveraging AI, specifically deep learning to help decode the meaning of the genome.

So far, the company has used its computational system to develop a database that provides predictions for more than 300 million genetic variations that could affect the genetic code. For this reason, their findings are used for genome-based therapeutic development, molecular diagnostics, targeting biomarker discovery and assessing risks for genetic disorders.

6) The company with drug discovery in 46 days: Insilico Medicine

As an artificial intelligence company for drug discovery, biomarker development, and ageing research, Insilico Medicine aims to cover the entire process of drug discovery, clinical trials analysis, and digital medicine. It is pursuing internal drug discovery programs in cancer, dermatological diseases, fibrosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, ALS, diabetes, sarcopenia, and ageing.

The company, working with researchers at the University of Toronto, made headlines lately with the announcement that the process of developing a new drug candidate lasted just 46 days with the help of its smart algorithm. At first, it took 21 days for the team to create 30,000 designs for molecules that target a protein linked with fibrosis (tissue scarring). They synthesized six of these molecules in the lab and then tested two in cells, the most promising one was tested in mice. The researchers concluded it was potent against the protein and showed “drug-like” qualities. The research was published in Nature Biotechnology.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine doctors are those who treat patients holistically. They may combine western medicine with traditional methods like acupuncture and herbs.

They want to treat an actual illness, and not just the symptoms. Patients should feel better after treatment.

The doctor should not only treat the disease, but also prevent it from happening again.

The term “holistic” means considering all aspects of a person’s life.

What is the Difference between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicines?

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs and surgery as its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.

Naturopathy, on the other hand is used to supplement conventional medical practices. It addresses the whole body and mind as well as the soul. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.

It is important to note that some CAM modalities overlap with conventional medicine. Doctors and naturopaths can both prescribe herbal remedies. But, naturopaths are more concerned with lifestyle changes than prescribing medications.

Naturopathy is sometimes called “complementary” since it complements traditional medicine and does not replace it. Naturopaths might prescribe medication if necessary.

There are many differences between naturopathic medicine, CAM, and other modalities.

Naturopaths do not usually prescribe medication or diagnose illnesses.
Naturopaths will work with the patient’s family medicine and may refer patients outpatients to specialists, if necessary.
The provincial licensing boards for Naturopathic physicians regulate Naturopathic physicians, while CAM practitioners can be self-regulated.
Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and well-being while also educating about diet and exercise.
Naturopaths emphasize the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management and exercise.
Naturopharmacists can use botanicals and mineral to treat specific conditions.
Naturopodists can provide personalized care, based on the individual needs of each patient.
The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario issues licenses for Naturopaths.
Naturopatrists can be licensed by the provincial regulatory agencies.
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors has registered Naturopaticians.
The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia is responsible for licensing Naturotherapists.
Naturobiotic therapists are licensed by the United States National Board of Medical Examiners.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency entitles homeopaths.
The term “holistic” refers to the belief that all aspects of life – physical, emotional, spiritual, and social – should be considered when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will examine all aspects of your health, not just one.

What are the benefits of holistic medicine over conventional medicine?

Many religions, cultures, and nations have used holistic remedies for thousands upon thousands of years. They are based on ancient knowledge, experience, and were created.

These medicines are safe, efficient, natural, and inexpensive. These side effects are far less severe than those from pharmaceutical drugs.

They will also assist you in achieving better health and well-being.

They can protect you from disease and improve your overall wellbeing.

They could even be used to treat heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma and depression.

There are many traditional medicines available, with each having its own benefits.

According to the World Health Organization, around 80% of the population uses traditional methods to treat their illness or injury.

According to some reports, about half a million people depend on traditional herbal remedies for their primary healthcare.

The market for complementary therapies worldwide is estimated to be $22.2 million by 2020.

To avoid side effects from conventional treatments, people are turning to alternative methods of medical care.

Many people turn to complementary therapies when they do not respond to other treatment options. They might also consider them before considering surgery or medication.

There are many reasons people choose complementary therapies.

To improve your quality of life
To reduce stress levels
For relaxation
To relieve pain
To enhance immunity
Supportive services for dealing with serious diseases
To boost energy
To control weight
To maintain good nutrition
To improve sleep patterns
To deal with chronic conditions

Statistics

The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

What can a holistic doctor do differently than a traditional doctor?

A holistic doctor offers more services than a traditional physician, such as a nutritionist and massage therapist, as well as naturopaths, homeopaths, and naturopaths.

A holistic doctor treats patients holistically. Instead of treating symptoms, they examine the person and their environment. This approach helps them identify underlying causes and work towards long-term wellness and preventative measures. Holistic doctors also use herbs and essential oils to treat illnesses. They also provide nutritional supplements and advice for healthy living.

Holistic doctors also offer therapies such as acupuncture and reflexology, reiki or shiatsu, yoga, meditation or craniosacral treatment, as well as hypnotherapy and hypnotherapy.

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