Google AI Model Speeds Up Search for New Medicines
(Google’s AI Model Assists in Development of New Drugs)
Google scientists report big progress using artificial intelligence to find new drugs faster. The company’s latest AI system helps researchers understand how proteins work in the body. Proteins are key building blocks for life. They also cause many diseases when they malfunction.
This new AI model predicts how proteins fold into complex shapes. Knowing a protein’s shape is crucial. It shows scientists how the protein works and how to target it with medicine. Figuring out protein shapes used to take years in labs. Google’s AI does it in hours or days using powerful computers.
The AI found possible targets for several hard-to-treat illnesses. These include some cancers, rare genetic disorders, and antibiotic-resistant infections. Researchers can now explore these targets much quicker. This means potential new drugs could reach patients sooner.
Google DeepMind developed this technology. They shared details with academic labs and drug companies. Early tests show the AI predictions are highly accurate. Scientists confirm the results match real-world lab experiments. This builds trust in the AI tool.
Major research institutions are already using the model. Teams at places like Stanford University and the Francis Crick Institute report promising early findings. They identified potential drug candidates for specific diseases faster than ever before. The AI also suggested new ways existing drugs might be repurposed.
Pharmaceutical companies see significant potential. They hope the AI can cut drug discovery time and costs. Finding one new medicine often takes over ten years and billions of dollars. Faster discovery could lower these barriers. This might lead to more treatments for neglected diseases.
(Google’s AI Model Assists in Development of New Drugs)
Google states this technology is a tool, not a replacement. Human scientists still design experiments and analyze results. The AI just handles complex calculations rapidly. The company continues refining the model. They aim to make it even more useful for medical breakthroughs.