UAE takes major step towards developing first AI-developed cancer-fighting drug

The UAE has taken a major step towards developing the first fully AI-discovered and developed drug candidate to accelerate the fight against cancer.

Making the announcement, the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) credited the research team at Insilico Medicine for the achievement.

The compound, known as ISM0387, demonstrates promising potential in targeting solid tumours, particularly aggressive brain cancers, which are among the most treatment-resistant.

Studies have shown clear tumour suppression when administered at a daily dose of 30 mg/kg over 20 days in animal models.

These findings strengthen its prospects for further development in subsequent clinical phases and increase its potential application in treating central nervous system-related diseases.

ISM0387 was developed using Insilico Medicine’s Chemistry42 platform, which integrates more than 40 generative AI models to analyse complex biological and chemical data. 

The process - including biological target identification and molecular design to optimisation and final nomination of the preclinical candidate (PCC), was carried out in the UAE.

This milestone is a testament to how generative AI can significantly speed up the drug discovery process. The research team completed the compound discovery phase in about six months. Traditionally, this stage alone can take over four years.

The entire development process, from designing the molecule to selecting it as a drug candidate, was completed in less than 12 months. In comparison, conventional drug development can take more than 10 years and cost over $1 billion to bring a single treatment to market.

Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State and Chairman of the Emirates Drug Establishment, said this achievement will strengthen the UAE’s position in global biotech value chains, adding that the country is building knowledge-based capabilities that support its role as an active partner in developing pharmaceutical solutions and expanding its global impact.