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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Work, Sapian predicts that the drug likely interacts with over 245 proteins to cause its wide-ranging biological effects. Amongst these 245 proteins, the AI identifies groups linked to key biological functions: mitochondrial function, gaba and other neuroreceptors, and even autophagy, further opening up the doors to use this drug in diseases known to have dysfunctions in these processes. Many of these proteins have never been associated to Sildenafil before.Through the example of Sildenafil, Kantify demonstrates that AI can help uncover many mechanisms of drugs, leading to new uses of existing drugs, and the development of targeted therapies.A Peek Behind the PillAt Kantify, we've embarked on an extraordinary journey to demystify the actions of well-known drugs, starting with a name that's both famous and infamous: Sildenafil, better known by its trade name, Viagra. Sildenafil is a widely prescribed small molecule drug - in 2021, it was the 157th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States , with more than 3 million prescriptions.Viagra™ in its iconic “blue pill” form. Image courtesy of Wikimedia.Sildenafil's primary uses in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are well-documented. However, recent studies have shown promising effects of this drug on preventing Alzheimer’s disease¹, indicating that this drug has wide-ranging health effects through mechanisms that are currently poorly understood. Furthermore, while the reported mechanism of action involves inhibiting a protein called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), several studies have shown that Sildenafil affects other protein targets². As such, one may assume that the larger therapeutic potential of Sildenafil may be related to pharmacological actions yet to be discovered. Given its popularity and wide-ranging health effects, advancing the understanding of Sildenafil’s Mechanism of Action (MoA) has important consequences. Firstly, discovering these MoAs could result in new uses of Sildenafil to treat more diseases. Secondly, the discovery of new MoAs could drive the development of first-in-class drugs that selectively leverage some of the mechanisms that Sildenafil uses, with fewer risks and side effects.The Complexity of Deciphering Drug ActionsUnderstanding a drug's mechanism of action (MoA) is a complex challenge, primarily because drugs often interact with multiple targets within
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