2 November, 2020
DataScience Modeling (Basic Research)
CREATIO AND DATASCIENCE COLLABORATE TO DEVELOP AN IN SILICO MODEL FOR DRUG SCREENING IN NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES
The Research Group on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine and the Research Group on Computer Vision and Machine Learning of the University of Barcelona have established a strategic partnership with the aim of studying the development of areas of the brain-damaged by neurodegenerative diseases through deep learning technologies.
This agreement was possible thanks to the extensive scientific background in neurodegenerative diseases —especially Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases— of the Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, led by Dr. Josep M. Canals, from the Department of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona. Their know-how complements the broad scientific expertise in machine learning techniques of the Computer Vision and Machine Learning Research Group, led by Dr. Petia Radeva, from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the UB.
The joint development of an in silico model allows to make simulations, to create mathematical models, and to visualize medical and biological processes, which in turn enables accurate predictions and simulations of real biological processes in a virtual environment, thus anticipating possible patient reactions to a drug.
On the basis of a high-performance analysis of human pluripotent stem cell differentiation, this model, aimed at replicating neurodegenerative Huntington’s disease, will allow to carry out pharmacological in silico screening studies for this devastating disease, which currently has no effective treatment.
The collaboration between Creatio and DataScience@UB is a clear example of the evolution of medical experimentation. The advances in artificial intelligence in the field of biological data have resulted in in silico models as an option for the future, due to their potential to accelerate drug development processes. Furthermore, this collaboration will further progress in innovative techniques, leading to cross-cutting knowledge that will facilitate the development of treatments to combat the complexity of neurodegenerative diseases currently affecting society.
These two groups are recognized as quality research groups by AGAUR (2017 SGR 1408; 2017 SGR 1742), and are part of the Creatio and DataScience@UB centres, respectively, both of which hold the TECNIO certification granted by Acció for developing the most innovative technologies in the Catalan R&D&i system, providing differential technological capacities, and transferring them to companies. The project is partially funded by the CHDI Foundation for the cure of Huntington’s disease, which has entrusted research projects to Creatio since 2012.