Science

MilliporeSigma Unveils AIDDISON™: An AI-Powered Drug Discovery and Synthesis Platform

Published December 6, 2023

In a major advancement for the pharmaceutical industry, MilliporeSigma has introduced AIDDISON™, an unprecedented software-as-a-service platform specifically engineered to strengthen the connection between drug discovery and production viability. This cutting-edge solution is designed to incorporate Synthia™ retrosynthesis software's application programming interface (API), marking a significant leap forward in streamlining the path from conceptual design to manufacturing readiness.

Innovative Integration of AI and Drug Design

AIDDISON™ harnesses the power of generative artificial intelligence, encompassing machine learning and computer-aided drug design, aiming to expedite the process of drug development. Constructed on a foundation of pharmaceutical research and development data spanning over two decades, this sophisticated software is capable of evaluating more than 60 billion potential chemical compounds. It meticulously selects those most likely to succeed as drugs by assessing crucial attributes including non-toxicity, solubility, and stability within the human body.

Revolutionizing Drug Manufacturing

In addition to identifying promising drug candidates, AIDDISON™ offers strategically devised synthesis routes, focused on enhancing safety, reducing costs, and boosting production yields. Prioritizing sustainability, the platform generates recommendations for the most effective chemical synthesis processes, transforming how target molecules are developed.

Karen Madden, Merck's Chief Technology Officer for the Life Science sector, emphasizes the platform's capacity to revolutionize laboratory operations through generative AI. By pinpointing top drug-like candidates amidst an enormous chemical landscape, AIDDISON™ significantly raises the odds for successful synthesis—ushering in an era of more sustainable and cost-effective drug discovery.

The Potential of AI in Drug Discovery

Drug discovery is notoriously complex and time-consuming, with only a fraction of Phase I drug candidates reaching the market. Applying AI and machine learning models like those found in AIDDISON™ can extract valuable insights from vast datasets, thereby enhancing the likelihood of introducing new therapies. AI is forecasted to save the drug discovery industry up to $70 billion by 2028, possibly cutting down time and expenses by up to 70% for pharmaceutical companies.

An established leader in science and technology, Merck operates across life science, healthcare, and electronics, continually striving to impact lives positively through innovation. With a rich history dating back to 1668, Merck has maintained a steadfast commitment to scientific discovery and responsible entrepreneurship—as evidenced by its life science sector in the US and Canada, known as MilliporeSigma.

AI, pharmaceutical, innovation