Solvonis Therapeutics plc has launched an artificial intelligence-supported drug discovery programme targeting its proprietary central nervous system compound library, marking a strategic expansion into AI-driven pharmaceutical development for neuropsychiatric disorders. The London-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company announced the initiative will initially focus on depression and stimulant use disorders.
AI-Enhanced Discovery Platform
The programme leverages a compound library acquired through Solvonis' recent acquisition of Awakn Life Sciences Corp., which includes multiple patent-pending chemical series developed through a completed hit-to-lead programme. The library incorporates in silico design, in vitro screening and in vivo characterisation, forming what the company describes as a structurally differentiated early-stage portfolio with therapeutic potential across neuropsychiatric indications.
The AI platform will apply computational modelling techniques to enable data-driven asset prioritisation, structure-activity relationship analysis and translational hypothesis generation. According to the company, the objective is to accelerate the identification and optimisation of high-value development candidates within the library.
Scientific Leadership and Strategic Focus
Professor David Nutt, Solvonis' Chief Scientific Officer, will lead the AI-enabled programme. "The integration of AI supported analytics into our discovery workflow enhances our ability to identify high-potential compounds for further development," Nutt commented. "The underlying chemistry is robust and scientifically validated, and we believe this approach will bring forward differentiated candidates in areas of persistent clinical need."
The initiative operates independently from Solvonis' existing preclinical programme, SVN-SDN-014, which targets post-traumatic stress disorder. Together, these efforts comprise a diversified R&D pipeline spanning late-stage clinical assets in alcohol use disorder, a preclinical PTSD programme and the new discovery platform focused on comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions.
Addressing High-Burden Conditions
Solvonis' broader pipeline addresses conditions affecting over 80 million people across the UK, US, and EU4. The company's lead asset, SVN-001, is currently in Phase 3 trials for severe alcohol use disorder in Europe and the UK, while SVN-002 is preparing for a Phase 2b trial in the US targeting moderate to severe alcohol use disorder.
The company also maintains a preclinical PTSD program leveraging novel serotonin-dopamine modulators designed to enhance pro-social behaviour and long-term outcomes.
Strategic Vision
Anthony Tennyson, Chief Executive Officer of Solvonis, emphasised the strategic rationale behind the AI initiative. "Following the acquisition of Awakn, we now possess a CNS compound library with strong early validation," Tennyson stated. "This initiative reflects our strategy to combine capital-efficient innovation with rigorous translational science as we develop next-generation therapeutics for depression, addiction, and other high-burden mental health conditions."
The AI-supported discovery platform represents Solvonis' expansion into earlier-stage innovation while maintaining strategic focus on comorbid and underserved neuropsychiatric conditions. The company positions this approach as part of a capital-efficient model with dual development strategy and near-term partnering opportunities in the neuropsychiatry space.
