Machine learning (ML) is a powerful tool that has been increasingly used in drug discovery to accelerate the identification and optimization of drug candidates. ML involves training algorithms to recognize patterns in large datasets and can be used to predict the properties of molecules, identify potential drug targets, and optimize the design of drug molecules[1].
One of the key advantages of ML in drug discovery is its ability to analyze large datasets and identify patterns that may not be apparent to human researchers. ML algorithms can be trained on large databases of chemical and biological data and can be used to predict the properties of new compounds, such as their binding affinity to a target protein, their toxicity, and their pharmacokinetic properties[2].
ML can also be used to optimize the design of drug molecules, by predicting which modifications will improve a molecule’s potency, selectivity, or other properties[3]. This can help to guide the design of more effective drugs and reduce the time and cost associated with traditional trial-and-error drug discovery approaches.
ML has been used to identify several successful drug candidates, including the anti-cancer drug pembrolizumab and the anti-inflammatory drug tofacitinib[4]. It has also been used to identify potential drug targets and repurpose existing drugs for new indications[5].
Overall, ML is a promising tool in drug discovery that can accelerate the identification and optimization of drug candidates. Its ability to analyze large datasets and predict the properties of molecules makes it a valuable tool in the pharmaceutical industry.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7721928/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6089716/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7252953/