Oppilotech, a biotech specialising in systems biology and machine learning platforms to build unique predictive computational models of cells, announces a co-development drug discovery partnership with the UK's Evariste Technologies, which will use machine learning and artificial intelligence to establish a first-in-class antibacterial programme.

Oppilotech has utilised its systems biology and machine learning platform to build some of the most detailed computational models of bacteria ever assembled. These high-resolution models provide deep insights into the biology of bacteria and identify viable targets for drug intervention. The partnership aims to pursue a drug target discovered using Oppilotech's models. Evariste has developed ligand discovery platform technology that can significantly cut the time required to identify clinical drug candidates. The antibacterial compounds identified by Evariste will be tested in-house using Oppilotech's expertise in microbiology combined with its unrivalled computational models of bacteria.

Ajay Mistry CEO and founder of Oppilotech, said, "A recent landmark global study published in 2022 in The Lancet (1) estimates antimicrobial resistance was associated with almost five million deaths globally, with 1.27 million deaths directly attributable to AMR. There is clearly a compelling need for novel antibacterial agents, especially against the difficult to treat Gram-negative group of infections. Working with Evariste allows us to combine cutting-edge complementary technologies to address this significant medical challenge. At Oppilotech we're adept at navigating biology to discover drugs."

"We're delighted to collaborate with Oppilotech on antimicrobial resistance, which is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Use of machine learning and artificial intelligence will be essential in tackling this fundamental threat to society" added Dr Oliver Watson, founder of Evariste Technologies. "Combining Oppilotech's systems biology modelling and expertise in antibacterial drug discovery with our proprietary ligand discovery platform provides a powerful new approach to drug discovery."