Revolutionising Drug Discovery through AI

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming drug discovery, revolutionising how we identify disease-causing genes and proteins, and accelerating drug design at an unprecedented pace. Dr Serena YANG, an alumna of HKU Chemistry, stands at the forefront of AI-driven drug discovery as the co-founder of AILSI (AI and Life Sciences Institute (HK)). Harnessing the power of AI, her company identifies novel drug targets and accelerates the design of new treatments, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with traditional methods.

A recent milestone project involved using AI-driven multi-omics analysis to identify a previously undiscovered protein implicated in liver cancer and designing a drug targeting this protein. ‘This project showcases how AI can uncover new biological insights and accelerate drug discovery,’ Dr Yang shares.

 

Talking about the birth of AILSI, Dr Yang recalls ‘My goal has always been to help patients who have no effective therapeutic options and to make drugs more affordable for everyone.’

Driven by her vision to revolutionise the pharmaceutical industry, Dr Yang embarked on a journey from academia to entrepreneurship. This journey culminated in the founding of AILSI, which made drug discovery more efficient and cost-effective. Transitioning from academia—where she built a deep learning model for predicting small molecule properties—to founding AILSI was not without its challenges. 

‘Overcoming skepticism from industry stakeholders required continuous communication and demonstrating real-world results,’ she notes. Her persistence and innovative approach paid off, bridging the gap between AI and the pharmaceutical industry.

‘AI-driven drug discovery is set to revolutionise global healthcare by making drug development faster, more cost-effective, and personalised,’ Dr Yang asserts. ‘Our work is about more than just creating new drugs; it's about creating a new paradigm in healthcare.’

Looking ahead, Dr Yang envisions a future where AI is integral to every stage of drug development, unlocking new levels of efficiency and innovation. At AILSI, the commitment to democratising healthcare extends beyond drug discovery to developing AI-powered diagnostic tools. ‘My goal is to bring an AI-designed drug to market and have an AI-powered diagnostic tool approved for clinical use,’ she reveals. Her ambition is to build a strong AI-driven ecosystem that transforms how we develop medicines and diagnose diseases.

The relentless pace of innovation at AILSI is matched by a commitment to ethical considerations and patient-centric approaches. ‘As we push the boundaries of AI in healthcare, we must remain vigilant about the ethical implications and ensure that our advancements benefit all patients equitably,’ Dr Yang notes. Her leadership is a beacon for aspiring scientists and entrepreneurs who seek to navigate the complex landscape of modern healthcare.

For those on the cusp of their journeys in science and technology, Dr Yang’s advice resonates deeply: ‘Stay curious, remain persistent, and always be open to learning. The challenges you face today will be the stepping stones to your breakthroughs tomorrow. If you are passionate and persistent, no matter how challenging the journey, you will eventually achieve your goal,’ Dr Yang remarks. 

‘In AI-driven drug discovery, this belief is crucial. The field is full of uncertainties. Only with relentless innovation and the courage to challenge the status quo, can we transform how medicine is discovered and bring hope to patients who need it most.’

As we stand on the brink of a new era in medicine, Dr Serena Yang’s story is a powerful reminder that through unwavering dedication and innovative thinking, we can indeed change the world. With the right blend of passion, persistence, and cutting-edge innovation, the future of healthcare is boundless, brimming with limitless possibilities.

Dr Yang's academic journey began with a focus on biology and chemistry, driven by a deep-seated curiosity about complex systems. During her lab internship, she encountered the potential of AI when analysing experimental data. ‘I realised how even a simple machine learning algorithm could help make sense of the results. That experience sparked my interest in AI’s potential in life sciences,’ she recalls. 

This curiosity led her to pursue a PhD in Quantum Chemistry and AI at HKU, where she could work at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and machine learning. ‘The training I received at HKU provided me with a strong foundation in computational modelling, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary research.’

HKU provided Dr Yang with a fertile ground for her burgeoning interests. Its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary environment allowed her to delve into physics, chemistry, and machine learning. The access to advanced computational resources, world-class faculties, and a dynamic research community enriched her learning experience. ‘The training I received at HKU shaped my approach to tackling real-world scientific challenges,’ she explains.