AlphaFold 3 predicts the structure and interactions of all of life’s molecules

Isaac Brekken, head of research at Alphabet Inc.’s Google Life Sciences, spoke at the inaugural Healthtech Innovation Summit in San Francisco this month, where he emphasized the role of AI and machine learning in drug development. “The impact of AI on drug discovery is unparalleled,” Brekken said, adding that Google’s AlphaFold 3 algorithm, which predicts protein structures at a resolution of up to one billion times higher than any other tool in existence, is transforming how the field works. Brekken also talked about the promise of machine learning for understanding and unlocking the complexity of biological systems. “AI has changed our world,” he said. “It’s transformed pharmaceutical companies, it’s helped us understand diseases faster, it’s improved diagnosis. It’s also transformed how we think about drug development. We don’t know why this happens or what causes these things to happen.” Brekken spoke with the media ahead of Google’s presentation at the Summit and emphasized the potential for AI in drug discovery, specifically discussing AlphaFold 3. “If you have a disease in your mind, an algorithm could give you the solution,” Brekken said. “It’s like a recipe book. The same thing that’s been done with food is happening in biology.” Brekken also spoke about how machine learning could be applied to drug discovery by identifying potential targets based on patterns of protein behavior and predicting which compounds might be most likely to work against those targets. “If you have a target, AlphaFold 3 can help you figure out which molecules are going to bind there,” Brekken said. Brekken’s talk highlighted the potential impact that AI and machine learning could have on drug development, but also emphasized the importance of continued investment in research and development. “The most exciting thing is how it’s going to continue to transform,” he said. “We are just scratching the surface here.” As a result of these talks and the work at Google Life Sciences, Brekken has been recognized with the title of “AI Pioneer” by the University of California Berkeley School of Engineering. He is also a member of the scientific advisory board for DeepMind, an Alphabet subsidiary that develops AI technology in areas such as medical imaging and speech recognition. Brekken’s keynote was part of the Healthtech Innovation Summit, which focused on advancing healthcare through innovation and collaboration among industry leaders, investors, and academics. The conference also featured sessions on digital health, precision medicine, and artificial intelligence in healthcare.