Poolbeg Pharma's scientific advisory board endorses influenza drug targets identified in AI drug discovery programme
() , a clinical-stage biopharma company focused on infectious diseases, announced that its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) has endorsed influenza drug targets identified in Poolbeg's AI-led drug discovery programme.
The SAB was given data regarding a large number of novel drug targets obtained through Poolbeg's collaboration with CytoReason in June 2023, along with a proposed list of prioritised candidates.
Prioritisation was based on preliminary evaluations by both Poolbeg and CytoReason's teams of biologists and data scientists to identify top-ranking genes potentially suitable for the treatment of influenza.
The Scientific Advisory Board then reached a consensus on the prioritised list to bring forward for lab-based validation, expected to complete in 2024.
Jeremy Skillington, PhD, CEO of Poolbeg Pharma, commented: "The endorsement of these prioritised targets generated from our AI-led drug discovery programme by the Scientific Advisory Board validates our approach and strategy going forward. We are committed to improving the world's access to critically needed treatments, and we believe our use of such innovative technology will play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare solutions."
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Poolbeg's AI-led drug discovery programme in partnership with CytoReason continues to advance, now having a confirmed a list of prioritised influenza drug targets to bring to the lab for validation. The influenza programme combined Poolbeg’s human challenge data with CytoReason's AI technology, leading to the discovery of multiple new targets in just 15 months, highlighting the expedited timelines that can be delivered through AI-enabled discovery. The Scientific Advisory Board's endorsement of the prioritised targets is an important step in bringing the new candidates to Poolbeg's prospective partners and generating returns on the company's R&D.
The global interest in AI-led drug discovery continues to grow, with Big Pharma investing heavily in the space. The AI approach to drug discovery enables identification of targets much faster, at lower cost, with reduced risk, and a higher likelihood of success. There is a significant unmet need in effective treatments for influenza, which affects millions every year. Poolbeg's and CytoReason's AI method is to target genes active in the disease's progression, which is a novel and disruptive approach that is of interest to the industry, including Poolbeg's target partners.
Lab validation of the targets is expected to complete in 2024. Together with any future partnering announcements, this may constitute a value inflection point for . Broker Cavendish maintained its target price of 19p, which is almost triple 's current share price.
Poolbeg detailed significant progress across its portfolio in its recently issued interim update for H1 2023. The company advanced its pipeline significantly during the period with strong clinical trial data for its flagship POLB 001 candidate and breakthroughs in its AI drug discovery programmes. POLB 001 is shaping up to be a highly valuable asset as an effective treatment for severe influenza and potentially other acute inflammatory conditions, in addition to oncology indications. Poolbeg is currently in discussions with potential oncology partners for POLB 001, with an agreement likely to be signed in 2023 or 2024.
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