Partnership to Develop AI and Machine Learning for Target Discovery

Medical research charity LifeArc®, and the Milner Therapeutics Institute at the University of Cambridge, have partnered on a project to identify and validate new drug targets in immuno-oncology and respiratory diseases. This will involve combining the drug discovery expertise of LifeArc with the machine-learning and bioinformatics expertise of the Milner Therapeutics Institute to facilitate the identification and selection of novel targets for drug discovery. Data generated will enhance the design of key experiments to validate and prioritise targets. Scientists involved in this project will be co-located at the premises’ of both partners to take full advantage of both environments.

Prof Tony Kouzarides, Director of the Milner Therapeutics Institute said: “We are delighted to be working closely with LifeArc in applying artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches to drug discovery. There is a lot of interest in these methods for the potential benefit patients. The drug discovery insight and investment from LifeArc will be important in realising this.”

Dr Justin Bryans, Executive Director, Drug Discovery at LifeArc added: "Drug discovery is a long and risky process and our collaboration with the Milner Therapeutics Institute represents a powerful way to unlock new potential approaches to help patients. We are excited about the opportunity to work at the interface of drug discovery and AI and apply the knowledge in this field to help expedite the delivery of new treatments to patients.”

The partnership is seeking academic and industrial partners to work in all therapeutic areas. For further information on how to collaborate please contact info@milner.cam.ac.uk or info@lifearc.org