UConn researchers see promising results in drug discovery partnership with AI Biotech Company

Half a dozen researchers at the University of Connecticut (UConn) are now using to identify potential new drugs to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions through a unique partnership providing access free to state-of-the-art technology in artificial intelligence (AI) and screening compounds.

Researchers used Atomwise's in silico screening technology, based on AI, to develop therapeutic treatments, including against certain types of stroke, hand-foot-and-mouth disease and an infection. at the origin of reproductive failure in pigs.

Through its Artificial Intelligence Molecular Screen (AIMS) awards program, Atomwise, a biotechnology company, provides access to advanced screening technologies that will help accelerate research.

Three researchers have already reported some initial successes of these collaborations.

Rajkumar Verma from UConn Health focuses on a protein that becomes overactivated during ischemic events, for the treatment of ischemic stroke, which occurs when there is a reduction in blood flow to the brain. Verma has discovered some protein inhibitors that may help provide neuroprotection after stroke.

"Stroke treatment is one of the most important public health problems, both current and future, with an urgent need for new therapies that can quickly move to clinical trials," said Verma, badistant professor. in neuroscience.

"I received an AIMS award at the right time," Verma said. "It helped me move my project forward, and I'm grateful to Atomwise for trusting my research, and Atomwise's contribution has brought my team's research closer to clinical trials."

Simon White, badistant professor of molecular and cellular biology, is also enjoying rapid success. White studies foot-and-mouth disease and the virus that causes it. The disease usually infects children and infants, a small number of whom require hospitalization. With significant recurring outbreaks in Asia and no specific treatment for the disease, White has turned to Atomwise to help accelerate its efforts to develop drug candidates specifically targeting the virus.

"We hope these results will help us get closer to the very first treatment of this disease," said White.

Young Tang, a professor of zootechnics and studying the Swine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), an infection at the origin of reproductive failure in pigs – a major problem for the l? agricultural industry around the world – has identified a molecule that can contribute to a new treatment.

The molecule inhibits the binding of PRRSV to pork cells to prevent infection with moderate potency. Ultimately, Tang hopes to turn this discovery into an alternative PRRSV treatment that would be more effective than anything currently available.

"We are delighted that our faculty members have been able to take advantage of this program, which harnesses industry-leading technologies through innovative research from one of the country's top universities," Radenka said. Maric, vice president of research at UConn and UConn. Health. "Access to Atomwise's unique technology will hopefully allow these projects to progress faster than possible, bringing us closer to therapies to help patients and treat diseases."

"Beyond the potential contribution of these top three successes in the field of human and animal health, we continue to be amazed by UConn's outstanding and diverse research," said Sara Omlid, PhD, Executive Director. Associate at Atomwise. "We hope to see more AIMS proposals from UConn researchers in the near future."

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About the Atomwise AIMS Awards Program

Atomwise's AICS (Artificial Intelligence Molecular Screen) Rewards Program was created to support drug discovery research in academia. The AIMS Scholarships provide researchers with Atomwise's in silico screening technology, based on AI, compounds for physical screening as well as skills in structural biology and medicinal chemistry. The application is open to any university researcher affiliated with non-profit research institutes. Applications can be submitted online at http: // www.atomically.com /goal. The next application deadline is April 29, 2019.

For more information about Atomwise or its AIMS awards, you can visit our website or contact us at [email protected].

Media contacts:

Atomwise

Sara Dunn

[email protected]

202-591-4045

University of Connecticut

Jessica McBride

[email protected]

860-486-5813