How AI Can Help Create and Optimize Drugs To Treat Opioid Addiction

A compound generated by artificial intelligence-based tools predicted to bind to the kappa-opioid receptor. Researchers are turning to artificial intelligence to create and optimize potential new drugs to help people with opioid addiction. It is estimated that about three million Americans suffer from opioid use disorder, and every year more than 80,000 Americans die from overdoses. Opioid drugs, such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine, activate opioid receptors. Activating mu-opioid receptors leads to pain relief and euphoria, but also physical dependence and decreased breathing.