UCSB Researchers Turn AI Into a Breakthrough Tool for Alzheimer’s Research

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - A team of UC Santa Barbara graduate students has turned their lab research into a startup that could change how new drugs are discovered.

Their company, ProFoldBio, uses artificial intelligence to speed up the design and testing of antibodies — the building blocks of many modern therapies.

Traditionally, scientists studying diseases like Alzheimer’s rely on human tissue samples that are rare and difficult to work with.

ProFoldBio’s software sidesteps that problem by letting researchers digitally model proteins and predict which drug candidates are most likely to succeed.

The system not only saves time and money but also helps smaller labs join the search for new treatments once limited to big pharmaceutical companies.

The team hopes their AI-driven platform will bring fresh energy — and faster breakthroughs — to the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.