3Z and biotx.ai Forge Partnership to Advance ADHD Drug Development Using AI Modelling

19 August 2023

Reykjavik-based pharmaceutical discovery company, 3Z, has partnered with causal AI firm biotx.ai, based in Germany and the US, with the aim of revolutionizing the development of drugs for ADHD. Through the integration of advanced AI modeling techniques, this collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between animal-based studies and human clinical trials, facilitating a more precise and efficient translation of promising therapies.

3Z, an expert in creating genetically engineered models of central nervous system disorders, has successfully identified potential treatments for ADHD using its innovative zebrafish screening platform. These lead therapeutic candidates, initially discovered through genetically engineered zebrafish, have undergone comprehensive retesting in mammalian models to confirm and expand their therapeutic potential. Notably, these novel ADHD treatments are non-stimulants, presenting a promising alternative with fewer side effects compared to existing therapies and catering to the needs of non-responsive patients.

The partnership between 3Z and biotx.ai intends to establish a robust link from animal discovery studies to human clinical trials. By harnessing comprehensive AI-powered human genetics-based modeling, the involvement of the primary therapeutic targets in ADHD will be extensively explored. This investigation will provide insights into the impact of these targets on the disorder, predict potential effects on other diseases or conditions, and evaluate metabolic changes. Comparisons will be made with real-world zebrafish measurements to validate the predictions, effectively simulating a Phase II clinical trial.

The anticipated outcome of this innovative AI study is to provide a predictive value for the success or failure of the trial, effectively reducing the risk associated with the lead compound's progression into a real-world clinical trial. Through the utilization of AI modeling, this partnership strives to accelerate the drug development process and enhance the efficiency of translating findings from animal models into human trials.

Dr. Karl Karlsson, CEO of 3Z and an expert in behavioral neuroscience and biomedical engineering, underlined the significance of this collaboration, stating, "We are entering a new era in drug discovery and development, where AI has the potential to revolutionize the industry. The animal models we develop focus on disorders and diseases that manifest as dysregulation within neuronal networks, which is probably the most challenging aspect to simulate successfully. However, we can model the effects of the drugs we identify on specific genetic targets, enabling us to obtain critical information and significantly reduce the risk of failure going forward."

For more information about 3Z and biotx.ai, please visit their respective websites at: http://www.3z.is and http://www.biotx.ai, or follow them on LinkedIn.

About 3Z:

3Z is a pharmaceutical discovery company based in Reykjavik, specializing in the creation of genetically engineered models of human central nervous system disorders. Their innovative zebrafish screening platform enables the identification and validation of potential therapeutics for a range of neurological conditions.

About biotx.ai:

biotx.ai has developed causal AI technology that mimics clinical trials using human genetic data. This has led to the development of two drugs, each with a high probability of success, currently undergoing clinical trials. biotx.ai now offers this technology to biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Karl Æ. Karlsson
Email: Karlsson@3z.is
Tel: +354-8256467