Integrated Biosciences, a seed-stage company founded by Felix Wong and Max Wilson, PhD, in 2022, is paving the way for advancements in senolytic anti-ageing compounds and longevity research.
Utilising synthetic biology and AI platforms, the California-based company targets age-related cellular stress responses and other neglected hallmarks of ageing to accelerate anti-ageing drug development.
AI Technologies in Drug Discovery
Artificial intelligence is now helping the painstaking process of drug discovery.
In a recent article featured in the respected journal Nature Aging, the founders of Integrated Biosciences share their exciting breakthrough. They’ve managed to blend synthetic biology with machine learning, leading to a remarkable acceleration in the process of screening and discovering new drugs.
Felix Wong asserts that the research result is a significant milestone for both longevity research and the application of AI to drug discovery.
He explains, “These data demonstrate that we can explore chemical space in silico (referring to something that is simulated) and emerge with multiple candidate anti-ageing compounds that are more likely to succeed in the clinic, compared to even the most promising examples of their kind being studied today.”
Senolytics: Targeting Senescent Cells
Senolytic cells are a type of therapy that selectively kills senescent cells.
Senescent cells are those that have ceased to divide and lost their functionality, yet they persist and build up in the body over time.
These cells are associated with numerous age-related health issues, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Despite promising clinical results, most senolytic compounds identified so far have been hindered by poor bioavailability and adverse side effects.
Senotherapeutics and senolytics are two related concepts in anti-ageing research. While both target senescent cells, senolytics focus specifically on killing them off.
By clearing out these dysfunctional cells, senotherapeutics and senolytics may improve health span and delay the onset of age-related diseases.
The Future of Anti-Ageing with AI
Integrated Biosciences’ innovative approach is not alone in the race to slow the ageing process. Other biotech companies, such as Altos Labs, backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, are also exploring research on anti-ageing.
The future of anti-ageing research, strengthened by the power of AI, offers immense potential for deepening our comprehension of the ageing process and creating potent therapies to fight against age-related illnesses.
As AI continues to improve and accelerate the drug discovery process, the potential for uncovering novel senolytic compounds and other therapeutics grows exponentially.
This intersection of AI and anti-ageing research not only enhances our ability to tackle the challenges of ageing but also offers hope for extending health span and improving the quality of life for countless individuals worldwide.
