The lengthy and complicated process of drug discovery and development, with its often lack of return on investment, has long been a challenge to scientists. However, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key instrument in the analysis of large and high-dimensional data due to the development of experimental technology and computer hardware.
Image Credit: ArtemisDiana/Shutterstock.com
Researchers describe the benefits of AI technology in all facets of new drug research and development (R&D) in a recent academic study titled “Artificial Intelligence in Pharmaceutical Sciences,” which was published in the journal Engineering.
Artificial intelligence can find new drugs more cheaply and effectively. AI has revolutionized drug research and development, from target identification to automated drug production, implications on the pharmaceutical industry, and preclinical research, thanks to the enormous expansion of biomedical information.
The authors of the study give a succinct introduction of popular AI models used in the field of drug discovery before summarizing and delving into the details of their unique applications at various phases of drug R&D.
The study concludes that AI is helpful in all facets of developing new drugs. To help in the creation of innovative, safe, and effective drugs, they can be utilized in preclinical research, clinical trial design, and post-market surveillance. It can also be used to identify drug targets. The cycle time and cost of drug R&D are drastically reduced using AI.
The authors are of the opinion that AI is an essential technology in the drug R&D process, despite the fact that there are still certain limitations in the AI-based drug R&D process. The R&D paradigm for pharmaceutical sciences will be altered in the future by AI technology, enabling patients to get customized therapy.
To give this subject fresh energy and maintain momentum, the authors of the study suggest further research. A game-changer in the drug R&D process, the rise of AI is increasingly assisting scientists in solving the puzzle of vast and complicated biological systems.
The potential of artificial intelligence in the pharmaceutical sector is boundless as technology develops.
Journal Reference:
Lu, M., et al. (2023) Artificial Intelligence in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Engineering. doi:10.1016/j.eng.2023.01.014.