Exploring the artificial intelligence and machine learning models in the context of drug design difficulties and future potential for the pharmaceutical sectors

Methods. 2023 Nov:219:82-94. doi: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2023.09.010. Epub 2023 Sep 29.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning as a subcategory of AI, provides opportunities to accelerate and improve the process of discovering and developing new drugs. The use of AI in drug discovery is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way new drugs are discovered and developed. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is likely that AI will play an even greater role in the future of drug discovery. AI is used to identify new drug targets, design new molecules, and predict the efficacy and safety of potential drugs. The inclusion of AI in drug discovery can screen millions of compounds in a matter of hours, identifying potential drug candidates that would have taken years to find using traditional methods. AI is highly utilized in the pharmaceutical industry by optimizing processes, reducing waste, and ensuring quality control. This review covers much-needed topics, including the different types of machine-learning techniques, their applications in drug discovery, and the challenges and limitations of using machine learning in this field. The state-of-the-art of AI-assisted pharmaceutical discovery is described, covering applications in structure and ligand-based virtual screening, de novo drug creation, prediction of physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, drug repurposing, and related topics. Finally, many obstacles and limits of present approaches are outlined, with an eye on potential future avenues for AI-assisted drug discovery and design.

Keywords: Applications; Artificial intelligence; Deep Learning; Drug Development; Drug Discovery; Machine Learning.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • Drug Design
  • Drug Discovery / methods
  • Machine Learning*
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations