Title: AI Aids Researcher in Developing New Antibiotic for Bowel Disease

HAMILTON - A researcher at McMaster University has made significant strides in developing a new antibiotic treatment for Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease, utilizing artificial intelligence. Jon Stokes and his team, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, were able to identify a potential antibiotic in a fraction of the time typically required for such discoveries.

Traditionally, the process of developing a new antibiotic can take years and cost millions of dollars. However, Stokes reported that his lab completed the initial stages of this research in about six months and at a cost of approximately $60,000. This rapid advancement could represent a major breakthrough for patients suffering from these chronic conditions.

Stokes explained that conventional antibiotics often target a broad spectrum of bacteria, which can inadvertently harm beneficial gut bacteria. This is particularly problematic for individuals with Crohn’s disease, as maintaining healthy gut flora is crucial for their well-being. The new antibiotic, named enterololin, is designed to specifically target harmful bacteria, including E. coli, while preserving beneficial bacteria.

The research team employed AI in two key ways. First, they used AI to identify chemical structures likely to possess antibacterial properties. Then, they utilized AI to predict how these structures would interact with bacterial cells, a process known as determining the 'mechanism of action.' Stokes noted, "E. coli has roughly 4,000 genes. Out of those, probably about 300 are what we call essential. The number of things my molecule could be doing once it gets inside of a cell is mind-boggling."

Stokes likened the AI modeling process to a GPS, guiding researchers toward the most promising combinations of chemical structures. He stated, "We weren’t flying blind anymore."

While the use of AI in research is largely seen as a positive development, experts caution that human oversight remains essential. Wyatt Tessari L’Allié, founder of AI Governance and Safety Canada, emphasized the importance of verifying AI-generated results. He remarked, "AI can do a decent first draft, or something that looks reasonable, but you still very much need the human to be thinking through exactly, why am I using the AI tool?"

The Canadian government has attempted to address AI regulation through the AI and Data Regulation Act, or Bill C-27, but the bill was not passed before Parliament was prorogued earlier this year. Tessari L’Allié noted that regulating AI is challenging due to its rapidly evolving nature.

Canada has one of the highest rates of inflammatory bowel disease in the world. A study from the University of Calgary suggests that the number of patients could increase significantly in the coming decades. Currently, a new patient is diagnosed every 48 minutes, with estimates projecting the patient population could rise from over 320,000 to 470,000 in the next decade.

There is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease or related bowel disorders, which can cause symptoms such as pain, fatigue, persistent diarrhea, and unexplained weight loss. Stokes expressed hope that his research could improve disease management for patients and accelerate the pace of medical research. He stated, "AI is a set of tools to help us, as domain experts, make better experimental decisions at each key point along the development of a drug. They’re guiding us better, helping us make more informed decisions that are likely to result in a success."