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Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s 2nd Annual

Generative AI & Predictive Modeling

Accelerating Drug Discovery by Improving Speed, Scale, and Accuracy

April 14, 2025 ALL TIMES PDT

 

Currently, we are witnessing the rise of different artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools for drug discovery, and generative AI (GenAI) is thought to be a game-changer. GenAI models and algorithms promise to transform how drug targets are identified and pursued, how novel lead candidates with desirable drug-like properties are designed and optimized, and how complex biology and expansive chemical space can be explored. Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s symposium on Generative AI & Predictive Modeling will bring together experts to discuss emerging applications of GenAI and will be a good primer for the AI/ML for Early Drug Discovery conferences that follow.

Monday, April 14

12:00 pmPre-Conference Symposium Registration

APPLICATIONS TO INNOVATIONS

1:00 pmWelcome Remarks
1:10 pm

Chairperson's Remarks

Tudor Oprea, MD, PhD, CEO, Expert Systems, Inc.

1:15 pm

Non-Human Intelligence in Drug Discovery

Tudor Oprea, MD, PhD, CEO, Expert Systems, Inc.

This talk summarizes our experience of developing non-human intelligent technologies for drug discovery. We created multiple temporally-validated machine learning (ML) models, and some LLM (large language model) agents to integrate and coordinate drug discovery activities. This platform includes 1) target-phenotype ML models focusing on oncology and neurodegeneration; 2) thousands of multi-task target-based and property-based ML models using proprietary data and fingerprints; 3) multiple LLM agents serving as research assistants for specific drug discovery tasks.

1:45 pm

Impact of Complementary Generative AI Methods and Absolute Binding Free Energy Applied to Drug Discovery

Romelia Salomon, PhD, Senior Project Leader, Drug Discovery, SandboxAQ

Discover how innovative generative AI and molecular simulation methods are revolutionizing drug discovery. This presentation will explore cutting-edge strategies for hit finding and lead optimization targeting unmet medical needs. Key highlights include AI-based ligand design, active learning absolute free energy perturbation (AQFEP) virtual screening, the Alchemical Transfer Method (ATM) for binding free energy estimation, and IDOLpro—a generative AI solution that integrates deep diffusion with multi-objective optimization.

2:15 pm

Using Generative AI to Design Small Molecules That Can Engage Multiple Targets

Rayees Rahman, PhD, Co-Founder & CEO, Harmonic Discovery

Unlike conventional methods that focus on single-target selectivity, generative AI models leverage machine learning and deep learning algorithms to explore vast chemical spaces, optimizing molecules for polypharmacology. These models can integrate multi-target profiles, assessing potential off-target effects, efficacy, and safety considerations, ultimately facilitating the creation of compounds with desired therapeutic profiles. This study explores generative modeling for multi-target engagement and highlights its promise to address complex diseases through targeted polypharmacology.

2:45 pm Architecting AI Agent Networks for Scalable Cheminformatics

Dennis Nenno, PhD, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Examol

Networks of AI agents can efficiently distribute complex cheminformatics workflows, but their effectiveness depends on connected data infrastructure and scalable, executable methods. Using a case study of ligand unbinding kinetics simulation, we demonstrate how a framework of coordinated AI agents can automate the experimental setup, identify key molecular events, and extract patterns across multiple timescales. We explore how this architecture enables chemists to tackle sophisticated lead optimization questions, while maintaining full reproducibility and scalability.

3:00 pm Selectivity and ADME Predictions with AI

Michal Vieth, Group Leader, AI&CDD, Selvita

This presentation explores the application of AI/ML in drug discovery, focusing on a case study involving ADME and selectivity prediction. The study compares ligand-based and target-based AI models, their validation and highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in predicting ADME profiles and selectivity of a set of drugs. We compare their predicted selectivity with their mechanisms of action (MOA) using different AI approaches. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how AI can be leveraged to improve the efficiency and success rate of drug discovery. This research exemplifies the type of cutting-edge computational approaches that Selvita's CADD group employs to support drug discovery projects.

3:15 pmNetworking Refreshment Break

3:30 pm

What Got Us Here Won’t Get Us There: The Future of Drug Discovery with Generative AI

Sanaz Cordes, MD, Chief Advisor, Healthcare & Life Sciences, World Wide Technology Inc.

Ina Poecher, Data Scientist, World Wide Technology

This is an engaging and insightful talk on the transformative power of generative AI (GenAI) in drug discovery. It will explore how GenAI is reshaping the drug discovery process, driving efficiency, and unlocking new possibilities for innovation.

4:00 pm PANEL DISCUSSION:

Session Speakers Discuss Current Gaps in Adopting GenAI for Drug Discovery

PANEL MODERATOR:

Tudor Oprea, MD, PhD, CEO, Expert Systems, Inc.

4:45 pmClose of Symposium

5:30 pmDinner Short Course Registration

6:00 pmDinner Short Course*

SC3: Fundamentals of Generative AI for Drug Discovery

*Premium Pricing or separate registration required. See Short Courses page for details.