Poolbeg Pharma PLC (AIM:POLB, OTCQB:POLBF) said it has secured an endorsement from its scientific advisory board (SAB) of the prioritised targets for its potentially breakthrough influenza drug.
In collaboration with CytoReason, Poolbeg used AI algorithms to analyse extensive data sets. This allowed it to pinpoint drug targets with a high likelihood of efficacy. These selected targets are now slated for further lab-based validation in 2024, a crucial step in drug development.
SAB member professor Brendan Buckley said: "Influenza is a disease which affects millions each year and there remains a significant unmet need for effective treatments.
"By targeting specific genes which are involved in influenza disease progression and severity, this approach could transform the treatment of this infectious disease for both seasonal and pandemic strains."
Amid this progress, Poolbeg said it is actively engaging in discussions with potential partners. These collaborations could amplify the impact of their discoveries, accelerating the path from research to real-world application.
The endorsement from the SAB comes at a time when global interest in AI-driven drug discovery is surging. This technology offers a more efficient and cost-effective method for identifying drug candidates, reducing both time and risk in the drug development cycle.