Recently, the Government has marked a significant step towards drug discovery by launching the Drug Discovery Hackathon 2020 (DDH2020). This initiative is first-of-its-kind on a national level aiming to offer support in the drug discovery process. With its primary focus on identifying drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), DDH2020 aims to boost the in-silico drug discovery process.
Understanding In-Silico Drug Discovery
The term “In-Silico” typically refers to activities conducted on a computer or via computer simulation. Therefore, the in-silico drug discovery process entails recognizing drug target molecules using bioinformatics tools. General targets for drugs encompass DNA, RNA, and proteins such as enzymes and receptors. The identification of these molecules provides insights into their pharmacological relevance to the disease under investigation, in this scenario, Covid-19.
Application of Bioinformatics in Drug Discovery
Bioinformatics plays a crucial role in this context as it applies advanced computational technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to manage the rapidly expanding repository of information related to molecular biology. This application enhances the efficiency and accuracy of identifying potential drug compounds.
An Insight into DDH2020: A Joint Initiative
DDH2020 is a shared endeavour brought forth by the combined efforts of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Additional support comes from partners such as the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), MyGov, and a host of private players.
Who are the Participants?
The participant demographic includes researchers and faculty members from around the globe, and students studying both within India and abroad. This diverse pool of participants fosters a rich environment for knowledge sharing and innovation.
Functioning of DDH2020
DDH2020’s function primarily revolves around the computational aspects of drug discovery. It comprises three tracks:
Track-1: Focused on computational modelling for drug design, this track aims to identify ‘lead’ compounds from existing databases that might inhibit SARS-CoV-2.
Track-2: Here, participants are encouraged to devise new tools and algorithms utilizing data analytics and AI/ML approaches. The goal is to predict drug-like compounds with minimal toxicity and maximal specificity and selectivity.
Track 3: This track exclusively invites novel and innovative ideas in the field of drug discovery.
Participants put forward their ideas online, and subsequently, the CSIR and other labs work towards implementing these proposals. The initiative represents an amalgamation of science and technology aimed at combating the global pandemic.
