Mankind Pharma and AI startup Denovo Sciences have launched a collaboration that puts human scientists firmly in control of AI-generated drug candidates, marking a practical shift in how the pharmaceutical industry is adopting artificial intelligence. Rather than letting algorithms work alone, the partnership uses what's called a "human-in-the-loop" model, where AI generates and evaluates potential drug molecules while experienced chemists and biologists validate, guide, and refine the results at every step.

What Problem Are They Solving in Drug Discovery?

Drug discovery has historically been a slow, expensive, and uncertain process. Companies spend years and hundreds of millions of dollars testing thousands of molecular candidates, only to see most fail in clinical trials. The collaboration between Mankind Pharma and Denovo Sciences targets three specific challenges: reducing the time it takes to identify promising drug candidates in the early stages, improving the quality of those candidates so fewer fail later, and ensuring only the most viable options move forward to expensive development phases.

By using computational precision early in the discovery process, both organizations aim to eliminate weak candidates before significant resources are invested in them. This approach could save years and millions of dollars per drug program.

"Drug discovery has always been a long and uncertain journey, and that uncertainty has real consequences for patients. Our collaboration with Denovo Sciences is about using the best available technology to make this journey faster and more precise," said Arjun Juneja, Chief Operating Officer at Mankind Pharma.

Arjun Juneja, Chief Operating Officer, Mankind Pharma

How Does the Human-in-the-Loop Model Actually Work?

• AI Generation: Denovo Sciences' proprietary platform generates thousands of potential molecular candidates by exploring a vastly larger chemical space than traditional methods could examine manually.
• AI Evaluation: The same AI system evaluates these candidates against desired properties, predicting which molecules are most likely to become effective drugs.
• Human Validation: Experienced drug discovery scientists at Mankind Pharma review the AI's recommendations, apply their domain expertise, and decide which candidates warrant experimental testing in the laboratory.
• Iterative Refinement: Scientists provide feedback to the AI system, which learns from their decisions and improves its future suggestions, creating a feedback loop that combines computational speed with human judgment.

This approach differs from fully automated AI systems because it preserves scientific rigor and accountability. When a drug candidate fails in clinical trials, regulators and patients need to understand why it was selected. A human expert can explain the reasoning; a black-box algorithm cannot.

Why Is Mankind Pharma Making This Move Now?

Mankind Pharma has been expanding its research and development ambitions in recent years, and this partnership represents its most significant commitment to using AI as a core tool in drug development. The company is positioning itself as an innovation-focused pharmaceutical leader, particularly in India's competitive market.

"Artificial intelligence is significantly accelerating drug discovery timelines, particularly through emerging tools in generative chemistry, modular antibody design, and process optimization across the preclinical as well as clinical development value chain. Our entry into AI-driven drug discovery will position Mankind as one of India's leading innovations-focused pharmaceutical companies," explained Dr. Anil Koul, Group Chief Scientific Officer at Mankind Pharma.

Dr. Anil Koul, Group Chief Scientific Officer, Mankind Pharma

The partnership also reflects a broader industry trend. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly turning to AI because traditional drug discovery methods have become less productive despite rising costs. Faster discovery cycles and better candidate selection could help bring effective therapies to patients sooner, which is ultimately the long-term goal both organizations emphasize.

What Does This Mean for the Broader AI-in-Pharma Landscape?

Mankind Pharma's collaboration with Denovo Sciences is part of a larger shift in how the pharmaceutical industry views artificial intelligence. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human expertise, leading companies are adopting it as a tool that amplifies what experienced scientists can accomplish. This human-centered approach may prove more sustainable than fully automated systems, especially in a field where regulatory approval and patient safety are paramount.

The partnership also signals confidence in Denovo Sciences' technology. The startup's platform is specifically designed to work alongside experienced drug discovery teams, not to replace them. This positioning contrasts with some earlier AI-in-pharma ventures that overpromised on automation and underestimated the complexity of translating computational insights into real-world medicines.

"Partnering with Mankind Pharma is a natural fit for what we have built at Denovo Sciences. Our platform is designed to work alongside experienced drug discovery experts to generate better candidates, faster. Mankind Pharma brings deep R&D expertise and a strong commitment to making medicines more accessible," stated Hovakim Zakaryan, Chief Executive Officer of Denovo Sciences.

Hovakim Zakaryan, Chief Executive Officer, Denovo Sciences

The collaboration also underscores a practical reality: AI excels at exploring vast molecular spaces and identifying patterns humans might miss, but it still requires human scientists to validate findings, design experiments, and navigate the complex regulatory landscape that governs drug approval. By combining these strengths, Mankind Pharma and Denovo Sciences are betting that they can reduce both the time and financial risk inherent in bringing new medicines to market.