Rapid Identification of Synergistic Drug (Smart) Combinations Against Biothreats Using Emergent Intelligence Technology

This fast-track program is engaged in the discovery and development of host-directed therapies to mitigate SARS CoV-2 and influenza virus induced injuries, specifically by designing drug combinations to improve existing treatments. Prevention of Covid-19-like events, which are certain to recur, requires methods that rapidly identify pandemic interception points and countermeasures for reducing impacts of emerging biothreats. Available AI- and Deep Learning-based algorithms depend on large clusters of structured data which are generally not available at the time of pandemic outbreaks. Bridging this knowledge gap is a new technology termed Emergent Intelligence (EI) which is an information theory based topological data analysis approach in biological cause-effect analysis. Phase I of this proposal aims at using EI technology for identifying interception points enabling  development of countermeasures against corona and influence viruses  infections. The deliverable is the identification of already approved drugs or drug combinations with antiviral activities against the selected pathogens. Phase 2 of this proposal aims at preclinical and clinical validation of selected drugs and or smart drug combinations identified in Phase 1. Towards this end, we will use our proprietary EI-based systems pharmacology platform and extensive expertise in drug discovery for producing the deliverables of this proposal. The USAF will directly benefit from this effort both for its immediate needs in response to Covid-19 given failed or underwhelming clinical results from single drug applications and from the ability to use this effort in Phase I and Phase II to validate the technologies application in future infectious disease and CBRN response operations. EI offers triage units operating at the edge the ability to create meaningful care decisions that would otherwise depend on samples and findings evacuated to more distal higher burdened facilities. The USAF role in expeditionary medicine will depend on its ability to repurpose available resources to address immediate needs and Maren-go/Emergent's capabilities are uniquely positioned to address this essential function.