We are proud to announce that the first customer-led publication utilizing Pharmaco-Net, Calici’s protein structure-based AI drug discovery platform, has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Unlike many AI drug discovery companies focused on internal publications, Calici emphasizes real-world impact by co-authoring meaningful research and patents with our clients.
In this collaborative study, a novel therapeutic strategy for neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) was identified by targeting the transcription factor ETV5 through AI-based in silico screening.
The study highlights the discovery of Obeticholic Acid (OCA), an FDA-approved drug, as a potential inhibitor of ETV5—showing promise for drug repurposing in NEPC treatment.
Key Findings
- ETV5 promotes the progression of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) by suppressing androgen receptor (AR) expression and inducing neural stem-like properties.
- Through in silico screening using Pharmaco-Net, Obeticholic Acid (OCA)—an FDA-approved drug—was identified as a potent inhibitor of ETV5.
- OCA interferes with ETV5-DNA binding, reduces NEPC markers, and restores AR expression, suggesting a promising drug repurposing strategy for NEPC treatment.