Old drugs, new uses
news
Published on 1 May 2023
In a May 2023 special feature published by IIT Madras’ Shaastra magazine (vol 02 issue 03), Gauri Kamath spotlights the expanding promise of drug repurposing powered by AI and ML. Kishan Gurram, MD & CEO of Sravathi AI, highlights that there are an estimated 9,000–10,000 molecules already proven safe for humans—offering a vast opportunity for repurposing to treat new diseases.
Key points:
- Repurposing potential: Exploring these known-safe molecules can dramatically shorten drug development timelines while minimizing costs and safety risks.
- AI/ML advantages: AI and machine learning are key to accelerating this process. They enable large-scale, virtual screening and pattern recognition that would be impossible via traditional methods.
- Tech in action: The feature highlights Bengaluru-based Prescience Insilico, which uses proprietary AI software to rapidly screen thousands of compounds against biological targets. Their system filters down candidate molecules by integrating molecular structures, disease mechanisms, and scientific literature data.
- Strategic impact: Such AI-driven repurposing platforms, like the one envisioned by Sravathi, can identify promising drug candidates more efficiently and precisely for experimental validation.