James J. Collins, Termeer Professor of Medical Engineering and Science at MIT and school co-director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Clinic for Machine Learning in Health, is launching a multidisciplinary research project that applies synthetic biology and generative artificial intelligence to the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The research project is funded by Jameel Research, a part of the Abdul Latif Jameel International network. The first three-year, $3 million research project in MIT's Department of Biological Engineering and Institute of Medical Engineering and Science focuses on the event and validation of programmable antibiotics against essential pathogens.
AMR – brought on by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics – has accelerated the rise in drug-resistant infections while the event of recent antibacterial agents has slowed. The impact is felt worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where limited diagnostic infrastructure results in delays or ineffective treatment.
The project focuses on developing a brand new generation of targeted antibacterial agents using AI to design small proteins that disable specific bacterial functions. These designer molecules could be produced and delivered by engineered microbes, providing a more precise and adaptable approach than traditional antibiotics.
“This project reflects my belief that tackling antimicrobial resistance requires each daring scientific ideas and a path to real-world impact,” says Collins. “Jameel Research goals to handle this crisis by supporting revolutionary, translatable research at MIT.”
Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel, Chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel, said: “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the crucial pressing challenges we face today, and addressing it requires ambitious science and sustained collaboration. We are pleased to support this recent research, constructing on our long-standing relationship with MIT and our commitment to advancing research around the globe to strengthen global health and contribute to a more resilient future.”
