103P Using AI to break new ground in oncological drug discovery: Rapid identification of novel targets and polypharmacological compounds for effective liposarcoma treatment

Liposarcoma (LPS), a rare and aggressive soft tissue cancer, lacks effective treatment options. Traditional drug discovery methods have been largely ineffective against LPS. Our study represents a paradigm shift in cancer treatment discovery, employing advanced AI algorithms to identify novel druggable targets and predict compounds with polypharmacological potential for LPS therapy. Utilizing Kantify's proprietary AI-based drug discovery platform, Zeptomics, we embarked on a twofold approach: first, identifying novel targets shared across LPS subtypes based on published drug screening data, and second, conducting an in-silico screen of approximately 10,000 drugs and natural compounds that haven't previously been considered for LPS. This approach prioritized compounds predicted to modulate simultaneously multiple novel predicted targets, addressing cancer cell compensation mechanisms. We validated these findings through in-vitro screenings of nine leading compounds on dedifferentiated and myxoid LPS cell lines, coupled with CRISPR-Cas9 depletion of the identified targets. Over the course of just three months, we ran the in-silico screening, followed by in-vitro validation. The validation resulted in an unprecedented hit rate (∼77%) with seven compounds demonstrating significant efficacy in reducing LPS cell viability, with IC50 ranging from 1.5uM to nM scales. This method's efficiency far exceeds traditional drug repurposing rates. Among the effective compounds, two are oncology drugs, three are prescription medications with minimal side effects, one is a natural compound, and one is a veterinary drug. Furthermore, the CRISPR-Cas9 gene depletion substantiated the importance of seven novel targets for LPS survival. This study not only unveils novel targets for LPS treatment but also exemplifies the power of AI in predicting multi-targeted therapeutic compounds. This groundbreaking approach, transcending traditional drug discovery methods, holds immense potential for broadening cancer treatment strategies and is poised to make a significant impact in oncological drug development and repurposing approaches.