3Z, a pharmaceutical discovery company headquartered in Reykjavik, has joined forces with biotx.ai, a causal AI firm based in Germany and the US, with the ambitious goal of transforming the landscape of ADHD drug development. By incorporating advanced AI modelling techniques, this partnership aims to bridge the gap between animal-based studies and human clinical trials, facilitating a more accurate and efficient translation of promising therapies.
3Z, known for its expertise in generating genetically engineered models of central nervous system disorders, has achieved breakthroughs in identifying potential ADHD treatments using its innovative zebrafish screening platform. These leading therapeutic candidates, originally pinpointed through genetically engineered zebrafish, have undergone thorough reevaluation in mammalian models to validate and expand their therapeutic potential. A noteworthy aspect is that these novel treatments for ADHD are non-stimulant-based, offering an encouraging alternative with fewer side effects compared to existing therapies and catering to the needs of non-responsive patients.
The collaboration between 3Z and biotx.ai aims to forge a robust connection between animal-based discovery studies and human clinical trials. By harnessing comprehensive AI-driven models based on human genetics, the pivotal therapeutic targets implicated in ADHD will be extensively explored. This investigation will yield insights into how these targets impact the disorder, forecast potential effects on other diseases or conditions, and assess metabolic shifts. These predictions will be cross-referenced with real-world measurements from zebrafish, validating the projections and effectively simulating a Phase II clinical trial.
The envisioned outcome of this groundbreaking AI-driven endeavour is to furnish a predictive assessment of the trial's success or failure, thus reducing the risks associated with advancing the lead compound into a real-world clinical trial setting. Through the application of AI modelling, this partnership strives to expedite the drug development process and heighten the efficiency of translating findings from animal models into human trials.
Dr. Karl Karlsson, CEO of 3Z and an authority in behavioural neuroscience and biomedical engineering, emphasised the profound importance of this collaboration, remarking, "We are stepping into a new epoch in drug discovery and development, where AI holds the potential to revolutionise the industry. Our animal models focus on disorders and diseases characterised by dysregulation within neuronal networks, arguably one of the most challenging aspects to simulate successfully. Nevertheless, we can model the effects of the drugs we identify on specific genetic targets, equipping us with crucial insights and significantly diminishing the risk of setbacks as we move forward."
Click here to read the original news story.