A Hong-Kong-based biotech company that combines genomics, big data analysis, and deep learning for drug discovery has just received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance for the use of its newest innovation for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma. The company’s pan-TEAD inhibitor, ISM6331, was created with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
Insilico Medicine Uses Artificial Intelligence to Develop Mesothelioma Drug
The new mesothelioma drug developed by researchers at Insilico Medicine is a non-covalent small molecule inhibitor that targets a specific protein family that is known to regulate the HIPPO pathway. This protein plays a key role in tumor progression, metastasis, cancer metabolism, immunity, and drug resistance, and in lab and animal studies, ISM6331 has shown a broad anti-tumor effect.
The drug’s development was hastened by the use of Artificial Intelligence and a generative chemistry engine developed by Insilico to accelerate the identification of compounds to which mesothelioma would respond. ISM6331 was tested in multiple cell lines and was shown to be effective at low doses and to have a high safety margin and favorable adverse reaction scores. As a result, the company nominated the drug as a preclinical candidate for the FDA’s orphan drug designation.
Artificial Intelligence Use Offers New Hope for Challenging Diseases Like Mesothelioma
Generative Artificial Intelligence is proving to be a potent tool in the investigation of more effective approaches to treating malignant mesothelioma. Insilico ‘s Pharma.AI platform has helped the company move 18 preclinical candidates forward for the various cancers. ISM6331’s Orphan Drug Designation qualifies it for several benefits and incentives, including seven years of marketing exclusivity following regulatory approval, potential tax credits, and more.
Speaking of the new treatment, Sujata Rao, MD Chief Medical Officer of Insilico Medicine said, “We are thrilled to receive the FDA’s ODD designation and approval to initiate clinical evaluation of ISM6331. The preclinical development of ISM6331 not only demonstrates the AI-driven approach to innovative drug discovery and development but also showcases the best-in-class capabilities of Insilico’s R&D team. We will move forward with patient enrollment in the US as soon as possible and look forward to advancing ISM6331 for patients with high unmet medical needs with mesothelioma and other Hippo pathway-related tumors.”
As scientists work to find a cure for mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net work to help patients find the resources they need. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
