A drug developed by artificial intelligence has shown signs of effectiveness in treating a severe lung disease, according to biotechnology company Insilico Medicine, reports Bloomberg.
The startup claims this is the first instance of an AI-generated drug passing an intermediate stage of clinical trials.
The drug, named rentosertib, improved lung function in a small group of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis—a condition where lung scarring makes breathing difficult. Biomarker analysis indicated that it works precisely as the AI intended, reducing a protein allegedly linked to the disease.
“This is one of the most impressive results ever achieved in treating lung diseases,” commented Insilico CEO Alex Zhavoronkov.
Insilico Medicine is planning larger trials to confirm rentosertib’s effects. The company aims to gather feedback from regulators and potential pharmaceutical partners.
The data will serve as a foundation for over 30 Insilico programs and help refine the AI model, noted Zhavoronkov.
The study lasted 12 weeks and involved 71 patients—all from China. Some experienced deterioration, while others faced liver issues.
Zhavoronkov believes the side effects are manageable and the drug is “reasonably safe.”
In March, Google introduced open AI models for discovering new drugs.