The use of AI in drug development raises questions about the trustworthiness and transparency of the technology. That said, Jim Collins, principal investigator at the MIT Jameel Clinic, believes that AI can be a powerful tool in drug development in spite of its pitfalls. In 2020, Jim and a team of researchers discovered Halicin using AI, a new antibiotic which was effective at treating a range of bacteria, including some that are antibiotic-resistant. While the discovery of Halicin is a significant breakthrough, Collins recognises the need for greater collaboration between researchers, pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies to ensure that AI is used responsibly and effectively in drug development.
