Drug development is a complex and challenging process in whichwhere scientists meticulously screen a large number of candidate compounds to ultimately develop an effective lead drug. With advancements in science and technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a tool for extracting valuable information from massive datasets. In particular, AI is instrumental in analysing DNA sequences to identify disease-causing genes and risk factors.
In a recent media interview, Prof. Zhao Yanxiang, Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), shared the potential of AI in driving drug development and the latest research on applied biology and chemical technology.
Prof. Zhao said in the interview, “In the application of AI in various fields, it is more like a “super parrot,” which can imitate and replicate. However, there is still a substantial journey ahead from zero to one.”
While AI can accelerate the screening process and enhance efficiency, it also unlocks new possibilities in drug development. However, in the realm of drug research, the practical application of AI still encounters constraints due to the diversity and abundance of drugs worldwide. It is still mainly used as an auxiliary tool. Moving ahead, data collection and labelling by AI should be strengthened in the future to unleash the potential of AI, thereby promoting the discovery and development of new drugs.
In addition, the rising incidence of cancer has heightened public demand for new treatments. Increased scientific research investment is needed in cancer and central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and mental illness to understand their pathogenesis and treatments options.
Prof. Zhao is optimistic about future drug research and development, particularly regarding new treatment modalities such as nucleic acid drugs and cell therapies. For instance, nucleic acid drugs and cell therapy have demonstrated significant progress. Scientific research and technological advancement have made mRNA drugs feasible, with some drugs capable of effectively crossing the blood-brain barrier. Cell therapy also presents further possibilities in treating CNS diseases by directly introducing new neurons into the brain to replace those died due to aging.
Full interview with Financial Times (In Chinese Only)
