In the United States, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects approximately 1.6 million individuals. A novel drug generated by artificial intelligence shows promise in alleviating IBD symptoms.
Insilico Medicine, a biotechnology company leveraging AI technology, with headquarters in Hong Kong and New York City, has introduced ISM5411, an AI-crafted drug for IBD, into Phase I clinical trials. This marks the fifth AI-designed drug from Insilico to progress through the development pipeline.
If approved, ISM5411 will represent a groundbreaking approach to IBD treatment by targeting prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD), a protein responsible for regulating the body’s gut barrier protection genes. According to Alex Zhavoronkov, Ph.D., the founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine, ISM5411 is a pioneering candidate for IBD treatment, offering a new therapeutic strategy.
IBD, encompassing conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, manifests with distressing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. The prevalence of IBD is increasing globally, yet effective cures and treatments remain limited.
Current medications for IBD predominantly focus on anti-inflammatory actions and immunosuppression, which pose risks like chronic infections and tumor development due to immune system suppression. Insilico aimed to address this treatment gap by developing a drug that focuses on healing and reconstructing the intestinal lining to provide sustainable improvement rather than mere symptom management.
Insilico’s innovative drug development process involves leveraging Chemistry42, the company’s AI chemistry engine, to design a molecule that inhibits PDH and enhances genes protecting the gut barrier. This approach aims to restore normal gut function through mucosal repair, a strategy proven to reduce hospitalizations and enhance long-term outcomes for IBD patients.
ISM5411, an oral medication with gut-specific action, is currently undergoing safety and tolerability assessments in Phase 1a trials involving 76 healthy volunteers in Australia. Following this phase, Insilico plans to initiate a multi-center international trial involving the U.S., China, and other locations to further evaluate the drug’s efficacy.
Insilico’s foray into AI-generated drugs extends beyond IBD, encompassing over 30 drugs designed for various conditions like cancer, fibrosis, central nervous system disorders, and even COVID-19. While the potential benefits of AI-generated drugs are substantial, experts like Dr. Supriya Rao and Dr. Harvey Castro emphasize the need for comprehensive data evaluation and public awareness regarding the development and implications of such innovative treatments.
