Generating hope and extending life with AI

Finding answers to life – specifically how to preserve it – has been the lifelong mission of Alex Zhavoronkov. Deeply inspired by sci-fi classics, Alex has ventured deep into the galaxies of machine learning and generative AI, unlocking molecule-based cures for humanity.

Long before AI became mainstream, Alex was already harnessing its power to advance bioinformatics research. Much like how people use tools like Midjourney and ChatGPT today, he leveraged generative AI, reinforcement learning and transformer to refine prompts aimed at discovering novel molecular targets and designing therapeutic compounds. The result? Insilico Medicine, a company he founded in 2014 to accelerate drug discovery and development using generative AI.

Today, Insilico has reached a historic milestone: the world’s first generative AI-discovered and -designed, first-in-class drug candidate to enter Phase II clinical trials in both Mainland China and the US This breakthrough drug was achieved in just 18 months, significantly reducing the traditional drug discovery timeline of 4.5 years, and at only 10% of the typical cost for early-stage drug development.

Designed to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic, deadly lung disease usually affecting the elderly and characterised by a progressive and irreversible decline in lung function, the drug has the potential to relieve conditions to approximately 5 million patients worldwide.

At the heart of this achievement is Pharma.AI, Insilico’s powerful platform, which comprises three key components – Biology42, Chemistry42, and Medicine42. The number "42," famously referenced as the answer to life, the universe, and everything in the film The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, reflects Alex's belief that AI holds the key to solving life’s most complex challenges. Transcending linear thinking and eliminating bias, the generative AI platform combines machine intelligence with human expertise to identify the right molecules and refine prompts in just 3 to 5 iterations, effectively transforming the traditionally lengthy and costly drug discovery process.

"Keeping up means constantly exploring solutions to improve people’s quality of life.  This aligns with Insilico’s vision of unlocking healthy and productive longevity for everyone,” shares Alex.

Insilico, like AI itself, continues to learn and evolve. It is now looking to apply its AI platform to new frontiers in life sciences, including ageing and environmental sustainability research.

Just as Alex is finding answers hidden within silicon and molecules, you, too, can uncover new microscopic worlds with innovation. Join us to "Keep Up for I&T Tomorrow" and see how we’re transforming once-imagined ideas into life-saving realities.