An Edinburgh life sciences tech firm has launched a new AI platform to rapidly accelerate drug discovery – and slash detection time for genetic diseases.
BioXcelerate has created an advanced trusted research environment where users can access a range of cutting-edge analytical tools to manage and search genetic datasets.
Their technology is cutting the time taken to detect genetic variants leading to life-limiting illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease by more than 98%.
This means processes the used to take days, now take minutes, driving faster breakthroughs in genetic research.
The bioX Genetics Platform combines an in-house trusted research environment with powerful cutting-edge tools driven by AI. It is proven to speed up the path from genetic analysis to treatment development by providing a compliant one-stop-shop where users can store, access and analyse large pools of complex genetic data.
Combining a range of tools like SwitchStep and Pleiograph – AI technology launched by bioXcelerate last year – the new system marks a major step forward in precise drug discovery.
Dr Chris Foley, CEO at bioXcelerate said: “Following the successful launch of Pleiograph we’re determined to continue our mission, giving patients the most effective treatments as soon as possible. There’s a lot of pressure on drug developers to arrive at effective treatments fast, but the wealth of genetic data they must analyse can be prohibitive.
“Untapping maximum latent value from data relies on everyone working from the same page, using the right best-in-class tools to extract relevant insights efficiently. Our new Genetics Platform recognises this and is designed to integrate seamlessly across R&D teams. Reducing the need to outsource disparate tools, it saves time and money while providing one accessible location to manage all datasets safely.”
Key capabilities include colocalisation analysis – the process of studying the spatial relationship between molecules or structures to uncover crucial correlations with disease development – which can now be completed in minutes instead of days. Similarly, fine-mapping execution times are slashed from 15 days to less than five hours, while cost and the risk of side effects are also dramatically diminished.
The innovative new platform is enabling scalable, secure, and fast analysis, in addition to the rapid exploration of millions of genetic and molecular datasets, including GWAS. eQTL and pQTL. As a result, researchers can deliver trusted, data-backed studies to unlock new insights efficiently to improve patient outcomes.
By improving the speed and precision of vital genetic research, the system will help healthcare experts bring life-changing treatments to patients sooner, combating devastating illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
The firm, which has offices in Edinburgh, London and Bristol, launched the platform at an investor event in London yesterday.
Foley added: “The platform’s ability to process data within minutes enables organisations to uncover key correlations and gain a better understanding of where and why genetic illnesses develop. Harnessing these capabilities will be vital in allowing researchers to identify risk variants efficiently and create targeted life-improving treatments to tackle them.”
