AI transforms drug discovery, offering new hope for neurological disorders

Artificial intelligence has become indispensable in modern pharmacology, enabling the prediction of three-dimensional protein structures that were previously unattainable experimentally. Tools such as AlphaFold allow virtual screening of vast molecular libraries, dramatically speeding up the identification of viable compounds. According to Professor Mikko Airavaara of Helsinki University, AI also supports the creation of digital patient models that combine genetic, proteomic and health data to uncover new therapeutic targets.

Although AI cannot independently invent a drug, it serves as a powerful research assistant, with human scientists still required to formulate questions and interpret results. Several AI-identified candidates have entered human trials, the most notable being rentesertib, now in phase III testing for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The technology is expected to accelerate progress against hard-to-treat neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, while also reducing reliance on animal testing.