Smart Pharma will operate Smart-ACT, a computational repurposed drug discovery, modeling and validation platform, which uses latest technology for systematic screening of existing approved drug molecules against certain therapeutic targets. ACT expands to accelerated commercialization of therapeutics.
Aptorum Group said that the Smart-ACT platform, in particular, is made up of a network of modules and processes. The platform is said to simulate the drug molecules’ effectiveness against diseases for both outcome prediction and selection.
Initially, the Smart-ACT platform will focus on the screening drug molecules intended for the treatment of orphan diseases or unmet medical needs.
Aptorum Group said that Smart Pharma has so far screened 1,615 compounds against three therapeutic target proteins under the recently established Smart-ACT platform. The three therapeutic target proteins are related to poor prognosis of neuroblastoma.
Aptorum Group said that preliminary results from the Smart-ACT platform have identified various potential repurposed drug candidates that could hold promise against such disease.
The company’s new subsidiary is expected to carry out further in vitro and in vivo validation of the screened candidates through collaboration with Aptorum Group to evaluate and validate the usage of the candidates for such new indication.
Under the Smart-ACT platform, the Aptorum subsidiary will look to discover up to 10 repurposed drug candidates per annum.
Aptorum Group and Smart Pharma founder Ian Huen said: “Our Smart-ACT platform is a novel tool that we believe completely transforms the drug repurposing and discovery industry which traditionally relied on scattered and serendipitous discoveries.
“Instead, our Smart-ACT platform is based on computerized processes to perform systematic screening and prediction of drug molecules to accelerate the commercialization of therapeutics, with initial focus on orphan diseases and unmet medical needs.
“Aptorum Group is very excited with the development of Smart Pharma, with whom it will be actively seeking collaboration and co-development opportunities with the wider industry.”