Last Updated: 17/11/2025

Bioinformatics and artificial intelligence for Infectious Diseases drug discovery research platform (BIND)

Objectives

This project aims to enhance the drug discovery process, making it faster, less costly, and more efficient. High-throughput virtual screenings will be performed to identify novel inhibitors of key proteins of the parasites, and molecular docking simulations will be used to decipher protein-ligand interactions and mechanisms associated with multi-drug resistance. This innovative project is an elegant approach to tackle the need for novel therapeutics against diseases heavily affecting the African continent.

Principal Investigators / Focal Persons

Emna Harigua

Rationale and Abstract

Drug discovery in biomedical research in Africa is characterised by high cost, long duration, and complexity. Introducing computational approaches, namely bioinformatics and artificial intelligence, results in higher performances, lower costs, and faster outcomes of the process. Dr Harigua’s research consists of implementing a platform for computer-aided drug discovery that combines bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, biology, and biochemistry to identify novel therapeutics against Leishmaniases and Malaria.

Date

Aug 2022 — Jun 2027

Total Project Funding

$511,195

Project Site

Tunisia

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