MIT AI creates antibiotics to tackle resistant bacteria
AI-designed drugs cleared infections in lab tests, demonstrating potential to combat gonorrhea, MRSA, and other resistant pathogens while minimising toxicity.
MIT researchers have used generative AI to design novel antibiotics targeting drug-resistant bacteria such as gonorrhea and MRSA. Laboratory tests show the compounds kill bacteria without harming human cells, marking a potential breakthrough in antibiotic development.
The AI system analysed over 36 million possible compounds, generating entirely new molecules with mechanisms that bypass existing resistance. Unlike traditional methods, this approach enables faster discovery, reducing drug development timelines from years to months.
Drug resistance is a growing global threat, with the World Health Organisation predicting 10 million annual deaths by 2050 if unchecked. MIT’s AI bypasses resistance, clearing infections in lab and animal tests with minimal toxicity.
Beyond antibiotics, this achievement highlights the broader potential of AI in pharmaceutical research. Smaller biotech firms could leverage AI for rapid drug design, reducing costs and opening new pathways for addressing urgent medical challenges.
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