Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has developed a novel technology aimed at improving the screening process for DNA-targeting therapeutics, which could lead to advancements in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. By combining their 3D drug screening software with machine learning techniques, SwRI scientists have demonstrated the ability to predict how effectively certain drug compounds bind to DNA and their potential toxicity to cancer cells.
This development marks a significant enhancement of SwRI’s Rhodium™ drug development tool, which now allows researchers to visualize and rapidly predict the interactions between DNA-targeting therapeutics and cancer cells. Given that cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with chemotherapy often causing severe side effects due to its impact on healthy cells, this technology could pave the way for more targeted and effective treatments.
Dr. Tristan Adamson, a research scientist at SwRI, emphasized that cancer cells, which often have compromised DNA repair mechanisms and replicate quickly, present a viable target for treatments focused on DNA. The new technique developed by SwRI aims to exploit this vulnerability in cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells.
Dillon Cao, another SwRI scientist, highlighted the importance of this technology in improving the selectivity of drug compounds, potentially reducing toxic side effects. SwRI’s approach involves the creation of machine learning models that screen potential DNA-targeting oncology drugs. These models, validated against existing experimental data, have shown accuracy in predicting the effectiveness of various drug compounds on cancer cells.
SwRI’s Rhodium™ software, funded through internal resources, is capable of evaluating over 2 million drug compounds within days, helping identify those with the highest potential for effective treatment and minimal side effects. The tool has already been used successfully in identifying potent therapeutics for diseases such as COVID-19 and hemorrhagic fevers, as well as antidotes for chemical nerve agents.
With a legacy of over 75 years in pharmaceutical research and development, SwRI continues to support drug development from discovery to clinical trials, leveraging its ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities and extensive expertise in virtual drug design, medicinal chemistry, and process development.