UVA develops AI tool predicting drug responses in patients

Scientists at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have developed a new AI tool designed to help create more effective treatments for diseases. This tool, named LogiRx, goes beyond existing AI methods. It not only identifies patient groups that might benefit from certain drugs but also reveals how these drugs function within our cells. In their research, the team successfully identified a potential new use for the antidepressant escitalopram, known as Lexapro. This drug might help prevent heart failure, a major cause of death both in the U.S. and worldwide. Their findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. LogiRx can predict the impact of drugs on biological processes in the body. This allows researchers to understand effects that might not be related to the drug's original use. For example, escitalopram was shown to possibly prevent harmful changes in the heart that lead to heart failure, a condition responsible for nearly half of cardiovascular deaths in the U.S. Heart failure affects over 400,000 Americans annually. It often stems from a condition called cardiac hypertrophy, where heart muscle cells grow too large, preventing the heart from pumping blood effectively. The research team, led by Ph.D. student Taylor Eggertsen, tested LogiRx on 62 previously identified drugs to find those that might prevent cardiac hypertrophy. The tool successfully predicted beneficial effects for seven of these drugs, with two showing promising results in cell tests. The researchers validated LogiRx’s predictions through laboratory tests and clinical data. They found that patients taking escitalopram had a notably lower risk of developing cardiac hypertrophy. Eggertsen emphasized that LogiRx helps uncover new uses for established drugs that have been proven safe for human use. Before escitalopram can be widely prescribed for heart health, further lab research and clinical trials will be essential. Nevertheless, Saucerman, one of the lead researchers, is optimistic about LogiRx's potential to speed up the development of new treatments for various serious conditions. He noted that while AI is improving drug development, it has lagged in fully understanding how these drugs interact with the body. LogiRx represents a meaningful step toward integrating AI with existing biological knowledge to rediscover old drugs for new medical uses. The research team has stated that they do not have any financial interests related to this work.