Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming the Billion-Dollar Drug Development Process

Alex Zhavoronkov, Founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine, one of the world's leading names in artificial intelligence-assisted drug discovery, spoke at a panel titled "A Long and Healthy Life: A New Era in Healthcare with Artificial Intelligence" organized as part of the 16th Bosphorus Summit. Zhavoronkov emphasized that artificial intelligence can dramatically reduce cost and time in drug development processes.

"Discovering a new drug means a 1 percent chance and a billion-dollar cost"
At the summit organized by the International Cooperation Platform (UİP), the concept of "longevity economy" was discussed within the framework of artificial intelligence's potential to both extend human lifespan and contribute to economic growth.

Addressing the challenges of developing a new drug from scratch, Zhavoronkov said, "The probability of developing a drug from scratch for a new target is less than 1 percent. Moreover, the cost is over 1.8 billion dollars. This is why many countries throughout history have never discovered a new drug."

Artificial intelligence accelerates the process
Noting that artificial intelligence can change this picture, Zhavoronkov said a major transformation is taking place particularly in the early stages of drug development:

"Artificial intelligence can shorten the development timeline and significantly reduce costs from the starting point to the developmental candidate phase. Our aim is to reach the level of 'pharmaceutical superintelligence' and design new drugs much faster."

The Middle East could become a new hub for artificial intelligence
Zhavoronkov also pointed out that the Middle East is rapidly becoming a rising center for artificial intelligence:

"The region has significant potential in terms of both human resources and oil, gas and solar energy. With these advantages, the UAE and Saudi Arabia could become major exporters of artificial intelligence in the future."

Cautious approach to "longevity drugs"
Zhavoronkov stated that he takes a cautious approach to longevity claims, noting that there is currently no clinically proven drug that extends human lifespan:

"Today there is no clinically proven drug that has been shown to extend human lifespan. GLP-1 class drugs could be the first 'mild longevity therapies,' but if someone says 'I'm extending lifespan,' you should always demand clinical evidence."

AI-powered laboratory and "longevity campus" coming
Zhavoronkov also mentioned projects of a fully automated laboratory they built in China and a "longevity campus" they constructed near Shanghai:

"By 2028, a massive facility will emerge where you can live and work, discover drugs and receive treatment. Children will grow up watching the laboratories behind glass. These types of ecosystems will unlock the true potential of artificial intelligence."

Cryobiology: "Engineering problems can be solved"
Addressing the topic of cryobiology (freezing and thawing of cells and tissues), Zhavoronkov said that in the future people could spend time in "cryosleep hotels" while waiting for the results of clinical trials:

"Currently we cannot freeze and revive large organisms, but this is an engineering problem. Within 20–30 years, people could wait in cryo chambers. This could fundamentally change the future of medicine."