First-in-class small molecule inhibitor designed with AI support shows promise against pancreatic cancer in preclinical studies

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed an experimental drug with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) to target the "undruggable" PDZ-domain of GIPC1 protein that helps different types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, to grow and resist treatment. In laboratory studies, the drug slowed tumor growth, improved survival and enhanced the effects of the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine.The findings, published in Cell Reports, also demonstrate how AI could help develop a small molecule inhibi