Zuojun Xu

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AI-designed IPF drug enters Phase III trial, a first for generative AI

As of September 2026: Professor at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Insilico Medicine dosed the first patient this week in a Phase III trial of Rentosertib, a drug for the progressive lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It's the first medicine with both an AI-identified target and an AI-designed molecule to reach this stage of testing.

Updated Sep 11

Notable Quotes

TNIK, the target driven by AI, had never previously been linked to fibrosis. This perhaps indicates that AI is carving out a path distinct from traditional research paradigms in target discovery for complex diseases.

from AI-designed IPF drug enters Phase III trial, a first for generative AI · Updated Sep 11

From initiating Phase III to obtaining final regulatory approval, it will take three to four years under favorable conditions.

from AI-designed IPF drug enters Phase III trial, a first for generative AI · Updated Sep 11