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AIIG

The IPI is host to an international consortium of multinational and regional pharmaceutical companies and software providers, which exists to provide the latest relevant information on artificial intelligence as applied to product formulation. Formerly known as the PROFITS (PROduct Formulation using InTelligent Software) group, the Artificial Intelligence Interest Group operates on a pre-competitive basis and funds pioneering research into the application of artificial intelligence. Techniques under review and development include Knowledge Based Expert Systems, Neural Networks, Fuzzy Logic, Data Mining and Genetic Programming. Members also have access to a range of software products, reports and in-house training.

Background

The introduction of a continuous stream of new and improved products is essential for a company to maintain its competitive advantage. The process of formulating these products, whether pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, speciality chemicals or other industries is a highly specialised task requiring specific domain knowledge and often years of experience. Formulators are therefore a scarce resource and have high intrinsic value to their organisations. Intelligent software tools derived from research into Artificial Intelligence can assist the efficient formulation of products increasing productivity, consistency and quality.

But Artificial Intelligence is not like other technologies. It pre-dates most and surpasses nearly all in its potential to affect the way in which we formulate new products. Identifying and understanding the issues is far from simple and new techniques and research advances keep offering fresh opportunities. There are organisational issues of technology selection and many lessons to be learned from the experience of others.

Artificial Intelligence in product formulation is indispensable and to make the best use of the opportunities offered by this exciting technology, and avoid expensive mistakes, organisations require first-rate monitoring and analysis of the field. This is equally true of both organisations that are new to the field and those that have well established Artificial Intelligence groups.

However, until now there has been no cost-effective, monitoring, analysis and reporting service delivered by those with practical experience and understanding of the technology. The Artificial Intelligence Interest Group is a new subscription service that is designed precisely to fill this need.

Artificial Intelligence Interest Group

The Artificial Intelligence Interest Group (AIIG) is domain orientated with research concentrating on those AI techniques, including Knowledge Based Expert Systems, Neural Networks, Fuzzy Logic, Data Mining and Genetic Programming that offer major opportunities to formulate products in a radically different way.

The AIIG is primarily a means of providing up to date, relevant information and analysis of developments and issues in Artificial Intelligence as applied to product formulation. It consists of seven components:

  • Research – the AIIG supports and undertakes basic research in the topic through sponsorship of research students and visiting research fellows
  • Seminars – the AIIG holds seminars to report on ongoing activities and hear presentations on novel ideas
  • Courses – the AIIG holds annual courses to provide continuing education for managers and formulators and educators with the emphasis on the technology an its application
  • Reports – the AIIG produces reports, bulletins, application notes and reviews on issues relevant to the topic
  • Prototype development: – the AIIG undertakes the development of prototype demonstrators for participants to evaluate
  • Library – the AIIG has an extensive library of textbooks relevant to the topic available for loan by participants
  • Web site – The AIIG has a fully updated web site where queries and enquiries can be handled by e-mail

    The AIIG provides a cost-effective service with savings on attendance at conferences and seminars. Participation ensures the saving of wasted expenditure on unsuitable systems and manpower in investigating them.

    Companies may also wish to pursue consultancy type projects separately with the IPI – such projects will be priced appropriately taking into account commercial software license fees.

    The leaders/principals of the AIIG are Professors Ray Rowe and Peter York.

    Ray Rowe was a Senior Principal Scientist in R&D at AstraZeneca, UK, advising senior management on current and future strategy in pharmaceutical product development. He was with AstraZeneca (formerly ICI/Zeneca Pharmaceuticals) between 1973 and 2005. Ray is currently Professor of Industrial Pharmaceutics at the University of Bradford. With research interests in polymer coating, powder technology including compaction and granulation, the structural characterisation of complex colloid systems and, more recently, applications of knowledge engineering in formulation and analysis, he has published over 300 research papers and reviews, including 8 patents. He is the co-author of the book “Intelligent Software for Product Formulation”.

    Peter York is Professor of Physical Pharmaceutics at the University of Bradford. Research activities involve pharmaceutical material science, coupled to aspects of chemical engineering and processing, with particular focus on molecular modelling and solid-state structure, particle formation including novel processes using supercritical fluid technology, and drug delivery design. He has consulted widely throughout the world, published over 300 scientific articles, holds numerous patents, and has received several research awards. Peter was behind Bradford Particle Design Ltd, a spinout venture from the University of Bradford. The company, based on research and patents in particle formation by supercritical fluids, was acquired by Inhale Therapeutics (now Nektar Therapeutics) in 2001.

    Current Participants of the AIIG include

  • AstraZeneca
  • Nektar Therapeutics
  • Curvaceous Software
  • Intelligensys
  • KnowledgeBench
  • Merck Sharp & Dohme
  • Pfizer Central Research

    The cost of joining the AIIG

    Joining Fee = £10K
    Minimum two year commitment (£10k/pa) = £20K
    Total cost of entry = £30K

    To obtain further information please contact Dr. Riddhi Shukla at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, United Kingdom, telephone (+44) 01274-236196, fax (+44) 01274-236155, electronic mail address .