AI-Designed Virus Used for Antibiotic-Resistant Infection

Scientists have reported for the first time the use of AI-designed viruses in treating a human patient. The startup Radical Numerics announced that it used an artificial intelligence model called Omnii to develop a custom virus to combat antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria.

In an announcement made on Tuesday by Radical Numerics, it was stated that the virus targeting bacteria, known as a phage, was administered to a patient suffering from a fatal bacterial infection. While the company did not disclose the patient's identity or the physicians conducting the trial due to privacy requirements, it reported that the clinical trial was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Company CEO Eric Nguyen stated that they take the responsibility of protecting patient privacy and maintaining the trust of clinical partners extremely seriously. Meanwhile, outside experts approached the development with caution and curiosity, noting that the report has not yet undergone peer review or been published in a scientific journal.

Using the Omnii model, the company generated variations of a phage named T7 and created new viral genes that altered the shape of the phage's legs, enabling it to attach to the resistant E. coli bacterial strain. Following safety tests, the viruses were provided to physicians, and the FDA authorized the trial.