AI Transforming Drug Discovery, Making It More Efficient And Cost-Effective: Innominds

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), IoT (internet of things), data analytics and others are bringing in transformational changes in the healthcare space. Fields like diagnostics to drug discovery, AI is increasingly playing a role. That is the reason that most IT services firms are coming up with their own platforms and solutions to enable healthcare providers achieving their intended outcome. Innominds is one digital product engineering services company, which is betting big on the healthcare space. In a conversation with the Bizz Buzz, Ratnakar Palakodeti, President – Healthcare & Life Sciences of Innominds said that the company has developed a unique healthcare platform in the drug discovery space. The company has collaborated with healthcare organizations, associations and academic institutions, to harness AI's capabilities effectively, he said.

According to Palakodeti, AI is accelerating the drug discovery mechanism, making it more efficient, and cost-effective, increasing the potential for bringing innovative therapies to patients faster. Moreover, AI can predict the toxicity and side effects of potential new antimicrobials, allowing researchers to focus on compounds with the best safety profiles. He also said that AI can also help identify existing drugs that could be effective against resistant strains, facilitating quicker access to treatment options. As the world faces increasing instances of drug resistance, AI algorithms can analyze genomic and proteomic data to identify new bacterial targets for drug development, he added. Overall, the healthcare space will immensely benefit from AI-led innovations in the coming years

How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) changing the way drug discovery is done globally? Has there been a dramatic change brought up by AI in recent time? Can you provide a brief overview on this matter?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is definitely bringing in changes in the healthcare space in several ways. Especially, it is transforming drug discovery in several ways. Firstly,

AI-powered algorithms can process vast amounts of biological and chemical data quickly, identifying patterns and relationships. This helps in predicting how different compounds might behave in the body.

Secondly, machine learning models can help design new molecules with desirable properties, optimizing chemical structures for improved efficacy and safety. This reduces the trial-and-error approach typically seen in conventional drug design. Thirdly, AI can analyse genomic and proteomic data to identify potential drug targets more efficiently. By understanding the underlying biological mechanisms of diseases, researchers can pinpoint more relevant targets for intervention.

Moreover, AI can help in designing clinical trials by identifying suitable patient populations, optimizing trial protocols, and predicting outcomes, which can accelerate the process of getting drugs to market.In short, AI is accelerating the drug discovery mechanism, making it more efficient, and cost-effective, increasing the potential for bringing innovative therapies to patients faster. As adoption of AI grows across the healthcare sector, it is expected that this emerging technology will bring in several changes across the spectrum, which will be beneficial to the mankind.

Globally, mankind is facing threats from various new diseases. Similarly, the virulence of diseases is growing every day. In this perspective, development of new antimicrobials to tackle resistant strains becomes essential. Can you throw some light how AI is getting leveraged in developing new antimicrobials?

AI is playing a pivotal role in the development of new antimicrobials to combat resistant strains in several ways: Firstly, AI algorithms analyze genomic and proteomic data to identify new bacterial targets for drug development. By understanding the genetic makeup of resistant strains, AI helps identify vulnerabilities that can be exploited.

Secondly, machine learning models can rapidly screen large libraries of compounds to identify potential antimicrobials. AI can predict the compounds likely to be effective against specific resistant strains, thereby speeding up the discovery process.AI can analyze the relationship between chemical structures and biological activity, assisting in the design of new molecules that are more likely to inhibit resistant pathogens.

Moreover, AI can predict the toxicity and side effects of potential new antimicrobials, allowing researchers to focus on compounds with the best safety profiles.AI can also help identify existing drugs that could be effective against resistant strains, facilitating quicker access to treatment options. Overall, AI accelerates the search for new antimicrobials and supports the development of innovative strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.

Innominds has a sound healthcare practice? How your company is leveraging AI in developing software solutions for healthcare players?

Innominds with its strong partner network is leveraging AI to develop path breaking platforms addressing some of the healthcare challenges. The company has collaborated with healthcare organizations, associations and academic institutions, to harness AI's capabilities effectively. This collaborative approach is essential in overcoming the existing challenges, such as data quality and the complexity of biological systems.

Moreover, we are also doing some unique work in the discovery platform space. Innominds has also developed a unique Drug discovery platform which is comprehensive. It is validated using the Insilco and invitro models. This digital health platform allows life sciences companies to focus on their core capabilities while simplifying the management of secure, healthcare-compliant cloud infrastructure.

Can you give some views on Innominds’ client base in the healthcare domain?

Innominds is dedicated to driving innovation in the healthcare sector by delivering cutting-edge digital services to leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies for enhancing operational efficiency and improving patient outcomes. We provide innovative solutions to healthcare companies by harnessing advanced technologies like generative AI to tackle complex industry challenges and redefine possibilities.

What are the new areas in which AI (artificial intelligence) and other emerging technologies getting leveraged in the healthcare domain?

AI is increasingly being leveraged across the life sciences & healthcare domain, making significant strides throughout the pharmaceutical value chain—from pre-clinical through the product commercialisation stages. AI is revolutionizing healthcare by enhancing drug development, optimizing clinical trials, improving diagnostic accuracy, enabling personalized medicine, and increasing operational efficiency. This integration leads to better patient outcomes and streamlined processes.

Innominds is going to participate in the Global South Conference on Infection Prevention and Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship (G-SPARC). What is your focus area in the conference?

It is great to be part of the Global South Conference on Infection Prevention and Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship (G-SPARC). Our focus area is the application of AI in drug discovery, specifically addressing the discovery of novel antimicrobials. Innominds will leverage innovative digital solutions aimed at helping manage infection prevention and control, alongside strategies for antimicrobial stewardship. By collaborating with global healthcare leaders, we aim to advance discussions on effective solutions and practices that can enhance healthcare systems and promote better public health outcomes.