Japan based Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. and UK based Exscientia Ltd. have announced that a phase I clinical study of DSP-1181, that was created using Artificial Intelligence (AI), has been initiated in Japan for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder as an initial indication.

DSP-1181 was created through the joint research by Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma and Exscientia, with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma providing its experience and knowledge in monoamine GPCR drug discovery and Exscientia applying its Centaur ChemistTM Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform for drug discovery. This project was delivered by the strong synergy of the joint research, requiring less than 12 months to complete the exploratory research phase, just a fraction of the typical average of 4.5 years using conventional research techniques.

DSP-1181 is being progressed as a long-acting and potent serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist, and its phase I clinical study to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder as an indication candidate. Through this, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma has expanded its development pipeline to treat key unmet medical needs in the Psychiatry and Neurology area, one of the company’s three focus research areas.