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n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m | A p r i l 2 0 2 3 | n e w h a v e n B I Z 15 its use of "large language model" AI, a type of machine-learning model that can generate high-quality text using predictive data. In drug discovery, similar models have been proposed to generate new molecules or protein sequences. Yocca said he sees the utility of advances like large language models in drug discovery across the value chain. "at would be from the start of when a drug idea was formulated, when a drug was first made, all the way through its preclinical development into its phase one, phase two, phase three, and then finally, into commercialization and product development. And in each case, we're applying AI," he said. AI in its new forms could speed up the process of drug discovery as well, Yocca said. "So, it's not one part of the value chain that we focus on, it's all of them. And if you can tie those together even more readily than we have, say, for example, with this language processing, it'll just make this go even faster," Yocca said. Hiring efforts One example of an innovative use for AI is in the process of choosing locations for a drug candidate's clinical trials, which requires an exacting mix of demographics and expertise. "You want to make sure you choose the best," Yocca said. "You've got all these variables, and this is where the AI comes in and makes a selection that's based on the data. en we can overlay our personal views on top of that and make final decisions." e sites picked by the combination of AI data and BioXcel scientists resulted in a clinical trial that was able to enroll 750 patients within three months, an impressive feat in the bioscience world. at mix of both machine and human intelligence is vital for successful drug discovery, Yocca said. BioXcel has been hiring both data scientists and neuroscientists as it develops its drug candidates and expects to add more jobs in New Haven in the near future as the company grows. But Yocca stressed that BioXcel's mission extends far beyond the latest technological advances. "e AI is just another tool for us to find a medication that will help a patient segment, and we can't lose focus on that. What makes the company go is finding a molecule that has promise in a patient," Yocca said. "at always needs to be front- and-center. Can we find them faster because of these new techniques? at's the hope." n Every dollar you deposit in Berkshire Bank is an investment. Your money may grow, but your entire community grows as well. It helps neighbors buy homes and enables volunteers to make a difference. And it funds new businesses and greener technologies. At Berkshire Bank, your dollar does a lot more for you, your community and lifelong careers here at home. Start making a difference today at any of our 100 financial centers or at berkshirebank.com. Rev. 3/23 Banking products are provided by Berkshire Bank: Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Berkshire Bank is a Massachusetts chartered bank. To learn more about the services Berkshire offers, scan the code or visit berkshirebank.com/berkshirebiz BioXcel occupies space at the Long Wharf Maritime Center in New Haven. "The AI is just another tool for us to find a medication that will help a patient segment, and we can't lose focus on that." PHOTO | CONTRIBUTED

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