Is AI Revolutionising Drug Development in Biotech and Pharmaceutical Industries?

• TargTex uses AI to speed up the process of developing therapeutic drugs for different diseases.
• The startup’s primary focus is on therapeutics for Glioblastoma Multiforme, and they are currently in the phase 2 clinical trial.
• The company differentiates itself by their proprietary biocompatible hydrogel formulation which has seen success in mouse models.
• The use of AI in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry could pave the way for faster and more efficient drug development.

The marriage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Biotechnology, Health Care, and Pharmaceutical industries could potentially revolutionise drug development. One such promising startup, TargTex, based in Torres Vedras, Portugal, is leading the charge. Founded in 2019 by Dr. Ana David, Dr. Andreia Valente, and Dr. Ricardo Peres, TargTex is focused on developing clinical candidates for various therapeutic indications through AI algorithms.

At the heart of TargTex is the mission to find effective therapeutics for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), a deadly brain tumor. To do this, the company uses AI to discern the correlation between a small molecule and a target that is overexpressed in GBM. This innovative approach has placed TargTex at the forefront of the AI revolution in the pharmaceutical industry.

What sets TargTex apart is their distinct approach to drug development. They are currently in a phase 2 study of an allosteric antagonist of a calcium channel that impairs GBM progression. Calcium channels are small molecules with anti-cancer properties. By leveraging AI, TargTex is accelerating the development process of these potential drugs.

In addition, the company has developed a proprietary biocompatible hydrogel formulation, which was successfully tested in mice. The gel composition, when injected intracranially into GBM cells, demonstrated promising results, further establishing the startup’s commitment to innovative solutions and in-depth research.

The future holds exciting potential for TargTex and the wider biotech and pharmaceutical industries. With AI’s progressively significant role in driving the development of new drugs, this innovation will likely shape the future of drug development. As TargTex continues its groundbreaking work, we anticipate seeing more trailblazing solutions from this pioneer in AI-assisted pharmaceutical development.