AI/ML to address drug discovery challenges
Leveraging latest technologies and industry-academia partnerships can make drug development sustainable in India, says Dr Radha Rangarajan, Director, CSIR-CDRI
image for illustrative purpose
Hyderabad: As the traditional models of drug discovery are sequential and lengthy, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will address the challenges, said Dr Radha Rangarajan, Director of CSIR-CDRI. She spoke during the inaugural address at a virtual workshop on ‘Drug Discovery and Development’ on Monday morning.
The 21-day online workshop was organised by FABA (Federation of Asian Biotech Associations) Academy in collaboration with US-based nonprofit organisation Science Gurus, and the University of Hyderabad during March 13 - April 2, 2023. On the first day, Dr Rangarajan emphasised on developing drugs for India: Opportunities and challenges, and the importance of drug discovery in improving healthcare.
Highlighting the role of AI/ML in next-generation drug discovery programmes, she said: “We have a major gap in the drug discovery arena in India. By leveraging latest technologies and industry-academia partnerships, we can make drug development sustainable in the country. It will also address specific unmet needs of the pharma industry.”
Unlike the traditional methods, the ML uses algorithms to parse data, learn from it and then make predictions about a new data set. Through neural network approach, the representations are learned automatically, mapping molecules into continuous vectors that are used to predict their properties. This is more integrated, less sequential and cost-effective in terms of research and development (R&D).
“The IT/ service sector can become partner in this space. The pharma startups can play an important role in the development of important drug candidates in the field of neglected tropical diseases and antimicrobial resistance, she said, urging the participants to make the most of this opportunity and enhance their skills and knowledge in this field,” Rangaranjan added.
On the same day, Dr Ajith, Kamath, Advisor of Pandorum Technologies India, mentioned about the FABA Academy’s efforts to fill the gap between academia and industry. Since 2020, it has conducted 14 workshops and 38 webinars. Apart from these, it also hosted several conferences, job placements, hands-on trainings and skill development programmes.
Dr Jagath Reddy Junutula, Board Chairman, Science Gurus, interacted with participants to understand the aim of the workshop, which provides a platform for young researchers and scientists to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field of drug discovery and development.
