A deep learning system that mines molecular and clinical databases to calculate the therapeutic efficacy of bioactives could transform how novel nutraceuticals are discovered, says a Spanish startup.
Universal Omics has developed an innovative technology to analyse proteins, metabolites, and other molecules, with the aim of delivering safe and effective personalised supplementation. A central objective is to help consumers take nutraceuticals in a more controlled and targeted manner.
“Our idea at the beginning was to apply AI technology to integrate biochemical omic data – genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, lipidomic, etc – but we were perhaps a little naïve,” said Matxalen Uriarte, founder and CEO of Universal Omics. “There are still a lot of complications in this space.
“So, we looked to turn the tables: instead of building a tool that would give us precise and synthesised information about the biomarkers of a disease, we focused on active ingredients, drugs, and nutraceuticals, and sought to measure their impact on consumers.”
To achieve this, Universal Omics developed an advanced calculator. This deep learning software, the DRUP-Drug predictor, calculates the efficacy of any type of molecule or pharmacological formula and its impact on our organism.
The technique is currently being applied to heart disease – specifically, arrhythmias.
“DRUP is a deep learning system that uses data from international databases,” explained Uriarte. “The algorithm is designed to calculate the therapeutic efficacy of active principles (bioactives). This can be carried out on single molecules, or on a mixture of up to five molecules.”
The DRUP system works like this. Users enter the names and formulae of molecules they want to analyse. The system then calculates efficacy by considering the effect of these molecules on different molecular targets, as well as aspects such as dosage, form of administration, and bioavailability.
This technique has the potential to save huge amounts of time and money, especially in the pre-clinical phase, as it allows for the mass screening of molecules.
“DRUP can also provide information on which pre-clinical assay conditions are appropriate for the success of trials, and possible interactions with other drugs or products,” said Uriarte. “This can help pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies ensure the success of their products and guarantee the absence of side effects.”
Universal Omics is working on improving the current version of DRUP, with the aim of launching the new version by the end of the year. The startup, which is in its first investment round, is looking for an industrial partner to co-develop a new nutraceutical product for the prevention of heart disease.
It is also looking for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical clients to analyse their products, in case they can improve them or discover new applications.
“I am passionate about the world of supplements, and especially nutraceuticals,” said Uriarte. “I believe they should be the drugs of the future.
“I believe that we offer hope to people who suffer from chronic diseases and are constantly taking medication – as well [as] supplements to alleviate side effects of these drugs.”
Universal Omics was a category finalist (Most Innovative Service, Technology, or Digital Solution Supporting the Nutraceutical Industry) in this year’s Vitafoods Europe Startup Innovation Challenge. Uriarte believes this recognition will help to raise the company’s profile and highlight how its technology can save pharmaceutical and nutraceutical businesses time and money.
“There have been huge advances in this sector in terms of manufacturing processes, obtaining high-quality and varied raw materials, and new formats for better digestion, etc,” she said.
“However, very few companies dedicate budget to clinical or pre-clinical studies that ensure both the efficacy of their product and its safety in the medium to long term.”
This is the innovation space that Universal Omics seeks to fill.
