A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from IBM, Oxford University, and Diamond Light Source demonstrates the potential of IBM’s AI model, MoLFormer, in generating antiviral molecules. These molecules have shown efficacy against multiple target virus proteins, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The findings, published in Science Advances, highlight how AI can accelerate the drug discovery process, paving the way for faster response to future pandemics.
The collaboration between IBM, Oxford University, and Diamond Light Source began when a group of computer scientists at IBM set out to explore the possibilities of generative AI in designing novel molecules to combat SARS-CoV-2. Initially skeptical, experts like David Stuart from Oxford University, renowned for his work on HIV, SARS, and Ebola, joined forces with IBM and embarked on a three-year journey. Their goal was to demonstrate that generative AI could identify viable starting points for antivirals through collaboration with Enamine Ltd., a chemical supplier, and other researchers at Oxford.
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