AI for New Drug Modalities

The primary objective of this workshop is to bridge the gap between AI and emerging drug modalities, such as gene and cell therapies, and RNA-based drugs. These modalities are important for disease mechanisms which were previously considered difficult, if not impossible, to target. They offer novel mechanisms of action, target previously undruggable proteins, and can address unmet medical needs with higher precision and efficacy. Traditional modalities such as small-molecule drugs, recombinant proteins, and monoclonal antibodies have formed the basis of numerous existing treatments. Recently, there has been growing recognition that AI methods have the potential to expedite breakthroughs in these established modalities. This same potential extends to the emerging field of new drug modalities, where AI can play a transformative role in accelerating the discovery and development process, overcoming challenges, and ultimately bringing innovative therapies to patients more efficiently and effectively. We aim to bring specialists in these modalities and ML communities together to discuss and investigate how AI can accelerate drug development in these emerging modalities.