TL;DR:
- Deep Genomics introduces BigRNA, an AI model, for RNA biology exploration and therapy development.
- BigRNA predicts tissue-specific RNA expression mechanisms and identifies potential drug targets.
- The AI’s remarkable performance was demonstrated in designing RNA-based therapeutics.
- Deep Genomics aims to revolutionize gene-based therapies, with a focus on metabolic and CNS diseases.
- Leadership transition sees Brian O’Callaghan becoming CEO while Brendan Frey takes on the role of Chief Innovation Officer.
Main AI News:
Deep Genomics unveils a cutting-edge AI model poised to revolutionize the understanding of RNA biology and pave the way for potential therapeutic breakthroughs. This synergy of technology harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to unravel the intricate web of RNA’s role in various diseases, while also charting new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
Deep Genomics introduces “BigRNA,” an AI-driven transformer neural network meticulously designed to dissect the intricate mechanisms governing RNA expression across diverse tissues. This groundbreaking technology aims to shed light on how specific genetic variants contribute to the onset of various diseases, offering a ray of hope for novel treatment strategies. In addition to its primary function, BigRNA can pinpoint potential binding sites for proteins and microRNAs, potentially unlocking the door to the discovery and development of groundbreaking drug compounds.
Brendan Frey, the visionary Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Deep Genomics, emphasizes the significance of this milestone, stating, “Building machine learning models that can predict gene expression from DNA sequence has been a long-standing research goal and one that has seen significant strides owing to recent advancements in deep learning.” This achievement empowers AI to decipher the impact of non-coding genes and mutations on protein function, ultimately facilitating the design of RNA-based therapeutics tailored to individual genetic profiles.
In a remarkable demonstration of its capabilities, BigRNA consistently engineered highly effective steric blocking oligonucleotides during a comprehensive study of 14 genes. These oligonucleotides hold the potential to address diseases caused by genetic variants by modulating protein production levels.
BigRNA’s prowess stems from its foundation built upon a staggering 1 trillion genomic signals culled from extensive datasets, comprising a staggering 1.8 billion tunable parameters. The details of this monumental model have been meticulously documented in the BioRxiv journal preprint, with plans to unveil further insights at upcoming scientific gatherings.
Deep Genomics’ mission to harness the power of AI in gene-based therapies takes a significant stride forward with BigRNA. The company, which secured $180 million in a 2021 series C venture capital round, envisions a future where computer-designed drugs cater to a myriad of medical objectives. While the pipeline currently lists several undefined preclinical programs targeting metabolic and central nervous system diseases, the company has previously highlighted its focus on Wilson disease—a rare genetic disorder characterized by excess copper accumulation within the body’s tissues.
In recent developments, Deep Genomics has undergone a leadership transition, with Brian O’Callaghan assuming the role of CEO while Brendan Frey takes on the mantle of Chief Innovation Officer. This strategic shift underscores the company’s commitment to advancing its groundbreaking research and ushering in a new era of AI-driven healthcare solutions. As Frey aptly states, “I’m proud of the team, the progress we have made, and the molecules we are advancing through animal studies, and I look forward to sharing updates on recent achievements in the months ahead.”
Brian O’Callaghan, with a distinguished track record in the biotech industry, brings his leadership experience to the forefront. His appointment comes on the heels of his role as CEO at ObsEva, a women’s health biotech company, and various other high-profile positions in the field, further solidifying Deep Genomics’ commitment to innovation and transformative healthcare solutions.
Conclusion:
Deep Genomics’ introduction of BigRNA marks a pivotal moment in biotechnology, leveraging AI to decipher RNA biology and discover potential therapies. This advancement positions the company as a pioneer in gene-based therapies, with promising applications in the treatment of metabolic and CNS diseases. The leadership transition signifies a strategic move towards further innovation and transformative healthcare solutions in the market.
