Automated drug discovery using AI and robotics

Last year, researchers from Google DeepMind and Carnegie Mellon showcased the automatic materials discovery and chemical research using AI and robotics. This year, the AI-guided automated experiment is also applied to protein engineering. A paper published by the University of Wisconsin–Madison demonstrated that a ‘self-driving’ laboratory comprising robotic equipment directed by an AI model successfully reengineered enzymes to have enhanced thermal tolerance, without any input from humans.

With enhanced capabilities of AI, such as knowledge and reasoning for experimental design, prediction of protein/chemical properties, and programming capabilities to control automated lab equipment and analyze output data, we see great potential in using AI and robotics to completely automate the early drug discovery process with high throughput and efficiency.

Here are more recent advances related to AI-based drug discovery.

• AI algorithms can be explainable, providing insights into the chemical structures used to discover novel antibiotics.

• Lingo3DMol, an AI model that combines language models and geometric deep learning technology, can generate small molecules with favorable binding in the target pockets.

Can we trust AI doctors?

In one study, Google showed that their AI has better bedside manners than human doctors and makes better diagnoses. However, machine learning models often fail to generalize, as the Science article showed. Unlike drug discovery, AI in clinical settings requires high and consistent precision and specificity across different scenarios. It’s still a long way to go for AI doctors.

Featured business news

Many business deals were announced at last week’s J.P Morgan Health Conference.

• Nvidia and Amgen announced a partnership to build generative AI models for novel human data insights and drug discovery

• Isomorphic Labs announced strategic collaborations with Eli Lilly and Novartis, with nearly $3 billion in combined deal value to design small molecule drugs.

• Insitro unveiled its efforts in ALS, liver disease, and cancer

• Cerebras Systems announced a partnership with Mayo Clinic to develop AI tools for healthcare, with the first case in therapeutic recommendation for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

If you find the newsletter helpful, please consider:

• 🔊 Sharing the newsletter with other people

• 👍 Upvoting on Product Hunt

• 📧 Sending any feedback, suggestions, and questions by directly replying to this email or writing reviews on Product Hunt

• 🙏 Supporting us with a cup of coffee.

Thanks, and see you next time!