Spoonful of Technology

GOLD highlights recent technological advances in the pharmaceutical industry – from artificial intelligence software to novel disease management platforms – that are set to revolutionise and improve the industry’s ability to care for, and deliver value to, patients

ALGORITHM DEVELOPED FOR COVID-19 DRUG SELECTION

MOATAI-VIR is an artificial intelligence tool developed by scientists at Emory University, Atlanta, and Georgia Tech, that can predict COVID-19 symptoms and recommend effective treatments. By linking symptoms to underlying disease-protein-pathway relationships, the AI can recommend drugs that are untested in COVID-19 but could treat specific symptoms.

MSCOPILOT APP MATCHES TRIAL DATA

The MSCopilot app, which enables patients to self-assess their multiple sclerosis (MS) disability, has been found to closely match standard tests used by neurologists. Developed by Ad Scientiam, the app, which is currently only suitable for French speakers, can measure and track a patient’s walking, cognitive, visual and dextral abilities, and the results can be used by clinicians to improve the individual’s MS care.

ALPHABET’S AI DRUG DISCOVERY UNIT

Google’s parent company Alphabet has expanded its artificial intelligence division DeepMind to create Isomorphic Labs – a new drug discovery unit. It will utilise DeepMind’s AI-powered AlphaFold engine but operate within its own parameters. The technology could be used to research new medicines that are able to attach to proteins expressed by the human genome.

BAYER’S CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE PREVENTION TOOL

A two-year collaboration between Bayer and the digital health company One Drop has delivered an artificial intelligence software module targeted at cardiovascular disease prevention. The platform will be marketed as a personalised digital health programme that combines biometric analyses, heart health advice and one-to-one healthy lifestyle coaching.