Nanoform, an innovative drug enabling nanotechnology company, has announced the appointment of Prof Jukka Corander as Head of AI. Prof Corander will be working closely with Nanoform to apply sparse data AI to enhance Nanoform’s proprietary STARMAP nanonization technology.

Prof Corander is a world-leading expert in AI, employing state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to create simulation-based models from sparse data. He is currently Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Oslo, Norway and Professor of Statistics at the University of Helsinki, Finland. His recent work with the Wellcome Sanger Institute Cambridge, UK includes the application of statistical machine learning and Bayesian inference algorithms on biological data.

Prof Corander will apply his expertise to further develop Nanoform’s STARMAP nanonization technology. The implementation of AI will help define the physical characteristics of drug candidate molecules from limited data to understand how these parameters influence solubility and bioavailability. Sparse data AI will combine with Nanoform’s best-in-class technology to predict nanonization success for new drug candidates and form a more efficient particle engineering process for drug development.

The software will also be used to enhance Nanoform’s manufacturing process by implementing deep learning for consistent, iterative improvement.

Nanoform’s appointment of a Head of AI is in response to the significant interest in AI for drug discovery. AI can be used to model alternative applications of current drug compounds and determine how particle engineering can produce optimal drug design and formulation. Nanoform’s partners are set to benefit from this innovative approach to drug discovery and development, which significantly increases the likelihood of identifying successful compounds that can quickly progress to market.

Edward Hæggström, CEO of Nanoform said: “We are delighted to be working with Prof Jukka Corander on this innovative application of AI. The ability to predict nanonization success will help our partners swiftly progress through early drug development stages with confidence.”

Prof Jukka Corander added: “My partnership with Nanoform provides an exciting opportunity to fully realize the power of sparse AI technologies in the pharmaceutical industry. By combining our expertise, we will be able to transform the way that drug candidates are discovered, developed and manufactured.”