Dong-A ST to Build AI Drug Discovery Platform, Targets First Version This Year
- 2026-09-03 오후 4:56:59
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2026.06.23.
Dong-A ST is launching efforts to build its own artificial intelligence (AI) drug discovery platform. The strategy aims to improve research efficiency by actively using AI in the candidate discovery process and, over the long term, to internalize its drug development capabilities.
Oh Yoon-seok, chief science officer (CSO) at Dong-A ST, met with reporters at the BIO International Convention (BIO USA) held in San Diego on Sunday. "We are developing an AI platform together with DAI, an IT specialist among our affiliates," he said. "Around the end of the year, we plan to unveil the first version of the platform that internal researchers can use and conduct beta testing."
The platform currently under development focuses on upgrading an AI-based candidate screening algorithm, previously used by only some researchers, so that any researcher can use it. While the existing system was operated mainly by researchers capable of coding, the plan is to build a dashboard-based user environment to improve accessibility and versatility.
"We previously had a system that discovered candidates using structure-based algorithms, but only some researchers could use it," Oh said. "We are developing it into a user-friendly platform so that researchers can use it more easily."
Dong-A ST is currently using AI to select candidates from compound libraries and evaluate their potential to bind with specific target proteins. Although the scope of use is still in an early stage, the company expects that once the platform is complete, more researchers will be able to participate in drug candidate discovery using AI.
Oh did not rule out the possibility of cooperation with external AI drug discovery companies. However, the focus is on securing internal competitiveness rather than relying on external sources for AI capabilities. "To sustain drug development over the long term, an in-house system is needed," Oh stressed. "Even when using external platforms, internal expertise that can understand and operate them must absolutely be in place."
He also left open the possibility of acquiring a company with AI technology. "If there is an appropriate opportunity, we could consider acquiring a related company," he said, while adding, "For now, we are focused on upgrading the platform based on existing algorithms and prototypes."
The company also plans to review the possibility of commercialization if the platform's performance is verified. "If sufficient verification is conducted internally and competitiveness is proven, a business model would be possible, such as conducting joint research with external companies or providing candidate discovery services for specific targets," Oh forecast.