Exscientia has announced a significant advancement in its drug development process through a collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS). This partnership is aimed at integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics within the company’s design-make-test-learn (DMTL) cycle, which forms the core of its drug discovery and development strategy.
The application of generative AI in drug design is particularly noteworthy. The innovative approach leverages generative AI algorithms, supported by the cloud capabilities of AWS, to create drug candidates. This allows Exscientia to predict essential molecular features—which include crucial metrics related to safety and efficacy—before the actual physical synthesis of the compounds takes place. This cloud-based model not only increases the speed of early-stage drug design but also enhances the chances of identifying viable candidates more effectively.
In addition to generative AI, Exscientia has adopted advanced robotic systems to further streamline its lab operations. These robotic systems are integrated with AWS microservices, allowing for the automated synthesis of compounds without the need for human intervention. The implementation of these robotics enables Exscientia to operate continuously, running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which is a significant leap in terms of productivity and efficiency.
Moreover, Exscientia employs active learning algorithms that process extensive data sets, including patient tissue samples and genomic information. This real-time data analysis aids in refining and iterating compound designs, allowing for continual improvements based on the most current and relevant biological data.
Such advancements in AI and robotics are anticipated to not only revolutionise the drug discovery process but also push the boundaries of what is possible in pharmaceutical development. The integration of these cutting-edge technologies is expected to lead to faster innovations and more effective treatments, making a significant impact on the overall healthcare landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services