API Research Group holds workshop on AI and digital synthesis

The API Research Group, under the Korea Drug Development Association (KDRA), held its 32nd annual workshop at the Konjiam Resort. The event brought together approximately 100 experts from industry, academia, and research institutes to discuss the integration of AI, digital processes, and new synthesis technologies in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) development.

Key topics included AI-based synthesis pathway design, autonomous experimentation, and automated synthesis. Presentations covered trends in self-driving labs, AI-driven pathway prediction, and the digitalization of manufacturing processes. Experts also discussed advancements in chiral organic catalysis, electrochemical organic synthesis, and Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) development strategies.

Kim Young-min, head of the research group and center director at Daewoong Bio, emphasized the industry's need to improve synthesis efficiency, ensure process reproducibility, shorten development timelines, and reduce scale-up risks through the adoption of robotics and digital technologies.