IIIT Delhi partners with Sweden to use AI for developing new pneumonia treatments
The Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi) has announced a significant collaboration with researchers from Sweden to develop innovative treatments for pneumonia using artificial intelligence (AI). This partnership is part of a joint initiative supported by India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Sweden’s innovation agency, Vinnova.
Overview of the Project
The primary focus of this project is to leverage AI and computational biology to design peptide-based therapies targeting pathogens responsible for pneumonia. The collaboration aims to enhance the speed and safety of treatment development, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes.
Funding and Support
The research initiative has secured substantial funding, amounting to ₹52.2 lakh from India and 2.8 million SEK from Sweden. This financial support will facilitate the exchange of researchers and foster collaboration between the two countries, enhancing the overall research environment.
Research Team Composition
The IIIT Delhi research team will be led by Dr. N. Arul Murugan, with co-investigators Dr. GPS Raghava and Dr. Vibhor Kumar from the Department of Computational Biology. On the Swedish side, the project will be spearheaded by Dr. Vaibhav Srivastava from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, alongside Dr. Ujwal Nyogi from the Karolinska Institute.
Utilizing AI in Drug Development
The research will employ machine learning models to investigate crucial properties of peptides, such as their efficacy against microbes, safety profiles, and potential side effects. Additionally, generative AI techniques will be utilized to design novel peptide molecules that could serve as effective treatments for pneumonia.
Laboratory Testing and Validation
Once the new peptide molecules are designed, they will undergo rigorous laboratory testing. This will include studies utilizing lung organoids to assess their effectiveness and safety in combating pneumonia-causing pathogens. The integration of AI in this process is expected to streamline drug discovery, making it faster and more cost-effective.
Aims and Objectives of the Collaboration
The overarching goal of this collaboration is to expedite the drug discovery process while enhancing the understanding of infection development. By utilizing advanced technology, the project aims to pave the way for innovative treatments for pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Expert Insights
Dr. N. Arul Murugan expressed optimism about the potential impact of this collaboration, stating, “In the coming years, biomedical discovery will be heavily transformed by artificial intelligence’s contribution. This India-Swedish collaboration showcases IIIT-Delhi’s commitment to utilizing computational biology, AI, and generative AI to address critical health challenges on a global scale. The integration of advanced machine learning and experimental validation can accelerate the discovery of peptide therapeutics to combat pneumonia-causing pathogens.”
Strengthening Research Ties
This partnership is not only expected to yield better treatment options for pneumonia but also aims to strengthen research ties between India and Sweden. By fostering collaboration between institutions in both countries, the project seeks to create a robust framework for future research initiatives.
Conclusion
The collaboration between IIIT Delhi and Swedish researchers represents a significant step forward in the fight against pneumonia. By harnessing the power of AI and computational biology, this partnership aims to develop safer and more effective treatments, ultimately improving public health outcomes. The integration of advanced technologies in drug discovery is poised to revolutionize the healthcare landscape, making it a promising area for future research and innovation.
Note: The information in this article is based on the latest available data as of March 2026.
