In a world where numerous industries are reevaluating the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), the pharmaceutical sector is already experiencing revolutionary changes in drug discovery. Companies like GSK and AstraZeneca are leading this charge by leveraging AI to develop life-saving treatments more efficiently than ever.
At GSK, Patrick Schwab, the director of machine learning and AI, is at the forefront of this transformation. Instead of the traditional lab coat and safety goggles, Schwab focuses on building AI algorithms that could save millions of lives. His recent project, showcased at the Alzheimer’s Association’s international conference, demonstrated that GSK’s shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is linked to a 24 percent reduction in dementia risks. By applying AI to a database of 100 million anonymized health records, Schwab’s team completed the study in just days, providing clear guidance on where GSK should allocate its research and development funds.
The potential of AI goes beyond repurposing existing drugs. Robert Scott, GSK’s head of genetics and genomics, experienced this firsthand when a diabetes drug targeting the IL-18 protein failed in clinical trials. Instead of abandoning the project, AI analysis revealed that eczema sufferers had higher levels of IL-18, leading to a new clinical process with promising results.
AstraZeneca is also harnessing AI to mitigate the risk of failed clinical trials. Jim Weatherall, the company’s vice-president of data science and AI, highlighted that AI allows them to conduct fewer trials with a higher probability of success. Their collaborations with AI research firms like Absci and Benevolent AI have produced promising outcomes in identifying target molecules for conditions such as chronic kidney diseases, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, lupus, and heart failure.
The impact of AI on drug discovery is profound, enhancing the work experience for scientists like Schwab. He noted that the ability to tackle problems in innovative ways is both exciting and enjoyable. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to adopt AI, the potential for life-saving discoveries expands exponentially, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide.
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