1.WHAT OPIOID DRUGS DO?
Opioid drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine activate opioid receptors. activation of μ-opioid receptors leads to pain relief and euphoria, but also to physical dependence and decreased respiration, the latter of which can lead to death in case of drug overdose.
2.WHY AI IS USEFUL AGAINST OPIOID?
artificial intelligence has the advantage of being able to absorb vast amounts of information and recognize patterns from it. as such, we believe machine learning can help design new drugs from scratch using information from large chemical databases. doing so may reduce the time and cost of drug discovery.
3.HOW SCIENTISTS TEACH AI?
They used information about the kappa opioid receptor and known drugs to generate compounds that might block the receptor using a reinforcement learning algorithm that rewards properties favorable to drug treatment. trained a computer model.
So far, the team has identified several compounds with promising properties, working with partners to synthesize them and ultimately testing them in animal models for safety and efficacy in cells. it is testing its ability to block the kappa opioid receptor in the body. ultimately, salas estrada said, “i hope it can help people who are struggling with addiction.