AI will drive discovery of innovative small molecules and next generation therapies to treat mental health disorders.
Wuhan, a bioceutical company focused on alternative plant-based cannabinoids and mental illness therapeutic research has announced the launch of Neurai Life Sciences, a pre- and clinical-stage biotechnology company focusing on the drug discovery and development of next generation therapies treating mental health disorders.
Longevity.Technology: Neurai Life Sciences is coming out of the gate primed to realise the enormous potential of targeted therapeutics within the brain serotonin receptor-mediated signalling pathways and plans to spearhead AI-driven target discovery, innovative and sustainable small molecule chemistry and inclusive clinical development in the pursuit of novel therapeutics for major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders and addiction.
The correlation between mental health and longevity is clear; the World Health Organization indicates there is a 10-25 year life expectancy reduction in patients with severe mental disorders, and a 1.8 times higher risk of dying associated with depression.
In addition, an Oxford University study found that many mental illnesses reduce life expectancy more than heavy smoking. There is an upswing in seeking new therapies for mental health, treating illnesses, rather than just ameliorating their symptoms. Last year we reported on Christian Angermayer’s new $120 million fund focused on investing in mental health ventures, called re.Mind Capital.
Neurai Life Sciences has appointed Riyad Domingo PhD as Chief Executive Officer. Dr Domingo is the current Harvard South Africa Fellow for 2021-2022 and holds a doctorate in Medical Biochemistry with a focus on drug discovery and development from the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine at the University of Cape Town.
“The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the need for the advancement of neuropsychiatric medicine,” said Dr Domingo. “Mental illness affects everyone, so we at Neurai believe that our targeted drug development process should consider and include all individuals, independent of age, race, or gender. We leverage emerging technologies including machine learning and novel formulation methods, accompanied by well-established industry approaches, thereby driving the evolution of the mental health industry and how therapeutics are developed in the future. This is absolutely vital for the future of our mental health.”
Jeff Robinson, CEO of Wuhan General, added: “Neurai Life Sciences will pioneer a new field of neuropsychiatric medicine. The company will revolutionize and challenge conventional approaches to developing and treating mental health conditions with new medicines and therapies. With Dr Domingo at the helm, we know that these new technologies will change the lives of millions globally. Neurai is recruiting the brightest minds in the fields of AI and pharma to further complement the ground-breaking technologies and portfolio of molecular assets that are currently in development under Neurai Life Sciences. Never has there been a greater need to combine technology and medicine to address the global mental illness pandemic.”
At this time, Neurai Life Sciences is a private company and 100% owned by Wuhan General Inc. Neurai Life Sciences will be conducting a capital raise to fund initial preclinical research, development and validation of select drug candidates and the company anticipates Neurai Life Sciences will seek a liquidity event for its shareholders at a later date – stay tuned!
