AIkido Provides Update on Use of Machine Learning in Drug Development Program

NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AIkido Pharma Inc. (Nasdaq: AIKI) ("AIkido" or the "Company") today provided and update on the use of Machine Learning in support of its antiviral platform with the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine.  The Company stated: 

The goal for the project is the identification and optimization of anti-viral compounds that inhibit viral replication by targeting a protein complex that degrades RNA at the cellular level.  To support this goal, physics-based machine learning (ML) is being applied by SilcsBio LLC to accelerate the discovery of broad-spectrum antivirals.  These efforts are targeting the human SKI complex that is involved in the replication of RNA viruses from which multiple drug candidates have been identified and shown to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 as well as other coronaviruses, including MERS-CoV, Influenza viruses and the filoviruses Ebola and Marburg. Ongoing efforts involve further development of those drug candidates using the SILCS data-driven ML ligand optimization approach in conjunction with medicinal chemistry, biophysical characterization, and cell- and animal-based antiviral experimental evaluation. These collaborative efforts will yield novel chemical entities to be considered for investigational new drug (IND) status and clinical trials leading to therapeutic agents poised to take on the next global pandemic.

Alex MacKerell, Grollman-Glick Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and CSO, SilcsBio, LLC, stated, "SilcsBio's machine learning algorithm combines physics-based simulations with a data-driven machine learning approach to iteratively improve the predictability of the ligand optimization process. In addition, our deep graph-based deep neural network allows screening of more than a billion compounds in a matter of days, allowing discovery of novel compounds much quicker than traditional approaches.  Towards addressing the global Covid-19 pandemic SilcsBio, LLC has partnered with AIkido Pharmaceuticals by applying its proprietary technology towards the development of novel broad-spectrum antivirals that will also be effective towards other viruses, including Influenza, Ebola and Marburg." 

Prof. MacKerell went on to say, "The success of these drug development efforts are based on the power of the SilcsBio technology to unlock hidden binding hotspots on novel antiviral drug targets, the ability to identify sites on those targets that alter the interactions between novel interacting antiviral proteins and the rapid development of optimal and effective drug leads against those targets that will define the next generation of novel antiviral agents."

About AIkido Pharma Inc.

AIkido Pharma Inc. was initially formed in 1967 and is a biotechnology Company with a diverse portfolio of small-molecule anti-cancer therapeutics.  The Company's platform consists of patented technology from leading universities and researchers, and we are currently in the process of developing an innovative therapeutic drug platform through strong partnerships with world renowned educational institutions, including The University of Texas at Austin and University of Maryland at Baltimore. Our diverse pipeline of therapeutics includes therapies for pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer. We are constantly seeking to grow our pipeline to treat unmet medical needs in oncology.  The Company is also developing a broad-spectrum antiviral platform that may potentially inhibit replication of multiple viruses including Influenza virus, SARS-CoV (coronavirus), MERS-CoV, Ebolavirus and Marburg virus.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the Company's filings with the SEC, not limited to Risk Factors relating to its business contained therein. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contact:

Investor Relations:      

            Hayden IR 
            Brett Maas, Managing Partner
            Phone: (646) 536-7331
            Email: [email protected]
            www.haydenir.com

AIkido Pharma Inc.:   

            Phone: 212-745-1373 
            Email: [email protected]  
            www.aikidopharma.com

SOURCE AIkido Pharma Inc.