Daewoong Pharmaceutical's AI System Processes 800 Million Compounds, Boosting Obesity and Cancer Research
- After two years of preparation, Daewoong Pharmaceutical has completed its own AI-based drug discovery system, 'DAISY', and has started utilizing it
- It has constructed a database with 800 million known compounds, named 'DAVID', overcoming Goliath with its innovative approach
- Joon Seok Park, Chief of the Drug Discovery Center, emphasizes that the success of new drug development increases when AI and humans learn and grow together
Daewoong Pharmaceutical (CEOs Seng-Ho Jeon and Chang-Jae Lee) is excited to announce the launch of its revolutionary "AI Drug discovery System." This system utilizes a database of 800 million key compound molecular models to dramatically accelerate the discovery of new biologically active molecules, transforming traditional timelines and reducing costs in the pharmaceutical industry. The company plans to expand the use of AI throughout the entire lifecycle of drug R&D, including preclinical, clinical, and commercial stages.
Daewoong Pharmaceutical has produced noteworthy research outcomes in the fields of obesity, diabetes, and anticancer drugs by integrating this database and drug discovery system. For example, it took just two months to discover and initiate the optimization phase for 'active molecules' acting on two target proteins for developing treatments for obesity and diabetes using its own AI system. This achievement addressed a complex problem that researchers had been pondering for over a year with AI.
Furthermore, the AI system was used to discover active molecules that inhibit cancer cells, and securing 'lead molecules' for patenting through optimization took only six months—a project that conventionally would have required at least 1-2 years. This underscores the significant results of the two-year commitment to building an 'AI New Drug Development System' to overcome the challenges of high costs and low efficiency in drug development.
Competing with Big Pharma Using the ‘DAVID’ Database of 800 Million Compounds
Daewoong Pharmaceutical has named its database of molecular models for 800 million compounds, which are immediately usable for new drug discovery, 'DAVID' (Daewoong Advanced Virtual Database). 'David' is the biblical hero who defeated Goliath with a single blow, symbolizing the researchers’ determination to compete against global Big Pharma using AI in new drug development.
The figure of 800 million represents a combination of compounds that Daewoong Pharmaceutical has secured through drug discovery programs over the past 40 years, along with nearly all compounds currently available for new drug discovery. However, globally disclosed open-source compounds are not directly suitable as data for AI-driven new drug development due to the need for preprocessing to separate and remove unnecessary information from complex compound structures. Daewoong Pharmaceutical's AI researchers have prioritized this task, processing all data for AI utilization, enabling the exploration of AI-based new drug candidate materials based on 800 million compounds.
Regarding this, Joon Seok Park, the Chief of the Drug Discovery Center, stated, "It's no exaggeration to say that AI has ushered in a new era of exploration in drug discovery, akin to the Age of Exploration in the realm of new drug R&D. If we continue to explore unknown territories with AI, we will be able to develop a significant number of new drug candidates and excellent drugs more quickly, making a substantial contribution to human health."
Achievements in Research on Obesity, Diabetes, Cancer, and Protein Degradation
After constructing a vast database for AI drug development, Daewoong Pharmaceutical developed the 'AIVS' (AI-based Virtual Screening) tool, applicable in the early stages of drug discovery program. This tool enables AI to discover 'active molecules' targeting proteins, facilitating a diverse search based on 3D modeling and quickly identifying new active molecules with patentable chemical properties through generative AI.
Based on this database and tool, Daewoong Pharmaceutical internally launched the AI drug development system 'DAISY' (Daewoong AI System) last year. This web-based 'AI Drug Development Portal' allows Daewoong Pharmaceutical researchers to access DAISY to discover new compounds and rapidly predict their drug-likeness. It includes AI capabilities for ADMET research, which stands for Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity— essential phases in understanding the drug properties of compounds. These stages are crucial in the early development of drugs, and failing to properly conduct this research can lead to failure in clinical trials.
Daewoong Pharmaceutical researchers have achieved significant results in just a few months using the AI drug candidate search tool 'AIVS'. In addition to advancements in the fields of obesity, diabetes, and anticancer programs, significant progress has been made in developing protein degradation agents. Simultaneous antibody design and stability evaluation have considerably reduced researchers' trial and error. The use of AI in discovering and designing candidate materials is shortening the time required for drug development.
Joon Seok Park, the Chief of the Drug Discovery Center, emphasized, "Viewing AI as a technology to replace humans is a misconception. It should be seen as a companion to humans exploring unknown territories. Just as deep learning AI grows by accumulating 'data', researchers can also move closer to the success of new drug discovery by enhancing their 'insight' and growing together."
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current beliefs and expectations of Daewoong Pharmaceutical's management. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) Regulatory and governmental approvals: The approval process for pharmaceutical products is subject to extensive regulations and may involve uncertainties and delays. Any failure to obtain necessary approvals or the occurrence of delays in the approval process could adversely affect Daewoong Pharmaceutical's business and results of operations; and (2) Clinical trials: The success of Daewoong Pharmaceutical's products depends on the results of clinical trials. The results of early clinical trials may not be indicative of the results of later-stage or larger-scale clinical trials.
About Daewoong Pharmaceutical:
Daewoong Pharmaceutical (KRX: 069620.KS), established in 1945, is a global pharmaceutical company based in South Korea. The company is committed to the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products, with a mission to provide the most beneficial total solutions, including pharmaceuticals and services, which contribute to improving the quality of life of valued consumers. Operating with a keen focus on both domestic and international markets, Daewoong Pharmaceutical specializes in developing treatments for intractable and rare diseases. The company's diverse portfolio encompasses novel drugs, biologics, new products, and C&D, all supported by in-house research and development, open collaboration, and advanced manufacturing facilities.
Marking significant achievements in drug development, Daewoong Pharmaceutical has successfully developed novel drugs for GERD, featuring the active ingredient Fexuprazan, and for Type 2 diabetes, with the active ingredient Enavogliflozin, in two consecutive years. The company is currently advancing in the development of First-in-Class Oral Anti-Fibrotic Agent for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, utilizing Bersiporocin as a PRS Inhibitor. Notably, Bersiporocin has been designated by the U.S. FDA as an orphan drug and a Fast Track development product. Daewoong is dedicated to completing the Phase 2 clinical study of this drug by 2025. For more information, visit Daewoong Pharmaceutical's website and LinkedIn page. Media inquiries can be directed to Daewoong's PR at naraesong@daewoong.co.kr.