OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has recently entered the pharmaceutical industry, spotlighting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery. In South Korea, an increasing number of firms are leveraging proprietary AI platforms to identify and design novel drug candidates, generating interest in their technological prowess and potential for success in the global market.
Industry sources reported on October 25 that OpenAI announced its acquisition of Orchestra Bio, an AI platform company specializing in drug development process management, on October 20. OpenAI plans to integrate this technology with Rosalind, its AI tool for life sciences research, to provide comprehensive support from drug research to development scheduling.
While AI in drug development has traditionally focused on analyzing vast datasets to identify promising candidates, its applications have recently expanded to include protein structure prediction, novel drug design, and clinical trial management.
One standout company in South Korea is Galux, an AI protein design firm. Founded in 2020 by a research team led by Professor Seok Cha-ok from Seoul National University’s Chemistry Department, Galux employs its proprietary platform, GaluxDesign, to engineer new drug candidates.
Galux’s competitive edge lies in its de novo technology, which designs proteins and antibodies with desired functions from the ground up. This approach differs from conventional methods by using AI to analyze target protein structures and properties, enabling the direct design of new proteins.
Leveraging this technology, Galux is expanding collaborations with various pharmaceutical companies. In December last year, it entered a joint research agreement with Germany’s Boehringer Ingelheim for AI-based protein design. This October, it launched a partnership with Dong-A ST to research antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
Galux is simultaneously advancing its own drug development efforts and securing investments. This year, it raised 42 billion KRW (approximately 31.7 million USD) in Series B funding, bringing its total investment to 68 billion KRW (around 51.3 million USD). These funds will support the enhancement of its AI protein design technology and expansion of its drug development initiatives.
Another notable South Korean company, Syntekabio, is utilizing its proprietary AI drug discovery platform, DeepMatcher, to identify candidate compounds. The company is also conducting research that bridges AI prediction technologies with biological validation through collaborations with patient-derived organoid companies.
OncoCross has developed RAPTOR AI, a platform for analyzing gene expression data. The company focuses on identifying suitable indications for drugs based on disease-specific gene expression profiles and uncovering new therapeutic applications for existing medications.
Experts emphasize that for South Korean AI drug development companies to compete effectively in the global market, it’s crucial to translate joint research outcomes into clinical trials and successful technology transfers.
An industry insider commented that with global tech giants entering the AI drug development arena, competition is intensifying. AI-designed drug candidates must still undergo rigorous experimental validation for efficacy and safety. Moreover, securing adequate funding to support ongoing research and development remains critical.