On May 23, 2024, in the picturesque setting of Águas de Lindóia, São Paulo, Sabrina Mendonça captivated the audience with her presentation titled “Drug Discovery with AI: Revealing 3CLpro Inhibitors through Structure- and Ligand-Based Virtual Screening.” Her lecture was a highlight in the Medicinal Chemistry section during the 47th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Chemical Society.
Supervised by Prof. Carolina Horta, a board member of CRAFT, Mendonça’s research focuses on the innovative application of artificial intelligence in drug discovery, particularly in identifying inhibitors for the enzyme 3CLpro. This enzyme is a crucial target for developing treatments against various viral infections, including coronaviruses. By utilizing virtual screening methods based on both structure and ligand, her work aims to accelerate the identification of potent inhibitors, significantly advancing the field of medicinal chemistry.
Her presentation detailed the technical aspects of how AI algorithms are used to predict molecular interactions and the potential efficacy of drugs with remarkable precision. The audience, comprised of renowned researchers, academics, and industry professionals, was particularly impressed with the integration of advanced computational techniques into traditional drug discovery processes.
The 47th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Chemical Society, a prestigious event attracting top-tier researchers from across the country, provided an ideal platform for Mendonça to share her findings. Her research not only highlights the potential of AI to revolutionize drug discovery but also underscores the growing importance of interdisciplinary approaches to tackling complex biomedical challenges.
As the field of AI-driven drug discovery continues to evolve, Mendonça’s work represents a significant step forward, promising more efficient and targeted therapeutic solutions. Her contribution to the conference exemplifies the innovative spirit and scientific excellence that drive CRAFT’s research activities.
