De Novo Design of New Chemical Entities (NCEs) for SARS-CoV-2 Using Artificial Intelligence

Navneet Bung, Sowmya Ramaswamy Krishnan, Gopalakrishnan Bulusu, Arijit Roy

Abstract:

Background
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has severely affected the health and economy of several countries. Multiple studies are in progress to design novel therapeutics against the potential target proteins in SARS-CoV-2, including 3CL protease, an essential protein for virus replication.
Materials & methods
In this study we employed deep neural network-based generative and predictive models for de novo design of small molecules capable of inhibiting the 3CL protease. The generative model was optimized using transfer learning and reinforcement learning to focus around the chemical space corresponding to the protease inhibitors. Multiple physicochemical property filters and virtual screening score were used for the final screening.
Conclusion
We have identified 33 potential compounds as ideal candidates for further synthesis and testing against SARS-CoV-2.