Clinical Study brings AI Focus to Drug Discovery

A phase I clinical study of DSP-1181, that was created using Artificial Intelligence (AI), has been initiated in Japan for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder as an initial indication. The joint research initiative between Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co Ltd (Osaka, Japan) and Exscientia (Oxford, UK) led to completion of the exploratory research in less than 12 months, a fraction of the typical average of 4.5 years using conventional research techniques(1).

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma provided experience and knowledge in monoamine GPCR drug discovery and University of Dundee spin-out Exscientia applied its Centaur ChemistTM Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform for the development of DSP-1181, which is being progressed as a long-acting and potent serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist.

Toru Kimura, Board of Directors, Senior Executive Officer and Senior Executive Research Director of Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma, said: "We are very excited with the results of the joint research that resulted in the development of candidate compounds in a very short time. Exscientia's sophisticated AI drug discovery technologies combined with our company’s deep experience in monoamine GPCR drug discovery, allowed us to work synergistically, delivering a highly successful outcome. We will continue to work hard to make this clinical study a success so that it may deliver new benefits to patients as soon as possible."

Andrew Hopkins, CEO of Exscientia, said: "We believe that this entry of DSP-1181, created using AI, into clinical studies is a key milestone in drug discovery. This project’s rapid success was through strong alignment of the integrated knowledge and experiences in chemistry and pharmacology on monoamine GPCR drug discovery at Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma with our AI technologies. We are proud that our AI drug discovery platform Centaur ChemistTM has contributed to generate DSP-1181 and look forward to its progression as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder."

(1) Reference Paul SM et al “How to improve R&D productivity: the pharmaceutical industry's grand challenge” Nature Review Drug Discovery 2010