Emirates Drug Establishment announced the development of the country’s first fully AI-discovered and developed drug candidate by a research team at Insilico Medicine.
This milestone reflects a shift in the UAE’s role from adopting advanced technologies to actively generating pharmaceutical innovation and intellectual property.
Precision Oncology Candidate Targets PRMT5 Pathway
The candidate, ISM0387, is an inhibitor targeting the PRMT5 enzyme and is designed to act through synthetic lethality by targeting tumours associated with MTAP gene deletion.
This mechanism enhances selective activity against cancer cells while reducing effects on healthy cells.
The compound demonstrates potential in targeting solid tumours, particularly aggressive brain cancers.
It also shows the ability to penetrate the blood–brain barrier and exhibits dose-dependent efficacy in inhibiting tumour growth in preclinical models.
Studies reported tumour suppression following daily administration of 30 mg/kg over 20 days in animal models.
Generative AI Platform Supported Full Discovery Process
ISM0387 was developed using Insilico Medicine’s Chemistry42 platform, which integrates more than 40 generative AI models to analyse biological and chemical data.
Additionally, the platform incorporates reinforcement learning approaches to support molecular optimisation and candidate selection throughout the discovery process. By combining generative AI with advanced computational modelling, the system helps identify drug compounds with improved precision, effectiveness, and safety potential.
The full discovery process was conducted within the UAE, covering:
- Target identification
- Molecular design
- Optimisation
- Nomination of the preclinical candidate
This reflects the UAE’s capability to deliver end-to-end drug discovery aligned with international standards.
AI Technologies Reduce Conventional Development Timelines
The discovery phase was completed in approximately six months, during which more than 90 molecules were generated and tested using AI models.
The full process, from molecule design to candidate selection, was completed in less than 12 months.
This contrasts with conventional drug development timelines, which can exceed 10 years and require significant financial investment.
Regulatory Frameworks and National Infrastructure Support Innovation
The programme was led by Insilico Medicine in collaboration with the Emirates Drug Establishment.
Regulatory frameworks developed by EDE supported a flexible environment for innovation.
This progress is also supported by a broader national ecosystem, including:
- biotechnology infrastructure development
- collaboration with national entities
These efforts contribute to building a globally competitive pharmaceutical innovation sector in the UAE.
The collaboration between the Emirates Drug Establishment and Insilico Medicine also demonstrates how regulatory flexibility, scientific research, and advanced technologies can work together to accelerate pharmaceutical innovation and reduce traditional development barriers.
Officials Highlight Strategic and Healthcare Impact
Officials highlighted that this milestone strengthens the UAE’s position in global biotechnology value chains and supports the development of knowledge-based pharmaceutical capabilities.
It also reflects the integration of scientific research with regulatory and investment frameworks to accelerate the translation of innovation into real-world applications.
Additionally, it contributes to strengthening pharmaceutical security by enhancing local development capabilities and improving preparedness for future healthcare challenges.
The advancement may also support the development of more precise and effective treatment options for patients in the future. At the same time, it further reinforces the UAE’s position as a regional and global hub for knowledge-based, innovation-driven pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
For more information: First locally discovered drug candidate: UAE joins AI-powered drug development race
Supporting Clinical Development and Regulatory Progress
The integration of AI-driven discovery with regulatory frameworks highlights the need for structured regulatory strategies that can support advanced and rapidly evolving therapies.
Baupharma’s Clinical Research services support companies across all phases of clinical trials, including study planning, data management, and clinical operations, helping ensure smooth progression from research to clinical application:
https://www.baupharma.com/services-categories/clinical-research/#Clinical-Research-services
