Poolbeg Pharma PLC (AIM:POLB, OTCQB:POLBF) has announced a significant breakthrough in its artificial intelligence programme uncovering multiple potential targets for influenza.
The research was carried out in collaboration with tech firm CytoReason, which used its data analysis platform to assess Poolbeg's comprehensive influenza human challenge trial archive.
Before this development, Poolbeg managed to identify successful drug targets such as the p38 MAP Kinase - a driving factor in severe influenza cases - manually.
Poolbeg is now considering the best ways to further develop the new assets and generate value from them.
Previously, Poolbeg identified potential new drug candidates for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Commenting on the latest discovery, chief executive Jeremy Skillington said: "Our collaboration with CytoReason has put Poolbeg at the forefront of AI drug discovery.
"CytoReason's deep interrogation of the uniquely rich data derived from human challenge trials has deepened our knowledge of influenza, resulting in the identification of multiple novel influenza drug targets.
"There is a significant unmet need for new and better treatments for vulnerable patients with influenza and this is a major milestone in the delivery of new therapies that can improve patient outcomes and global health."