(Press-News.org) CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Precision Medicine World Conference 2026 (PMWC 2026), held March 4–6 in Silicon Valley, convened researchers, clinicians, and technology leaders to discuss advances in precision medicine and the integration of artificial intelligence into biomedical research. The 2026 meeting coincided with the 25th anniversary of the first draft publication of the Human Genome Project first draft publication, highlighting the continued convergence of genomics, computational biology, and AI.
At the conference, Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, Founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine, chaired the Precision Aging and Longevity track and presented the PMWC Luminary Award to Greg Brockman, President and Co-Founder of OpenAI, recognizing contributions to the development of artificial intelligence technologies with broad scientific impact.
A Decade of Progress in AI-Driven Drug Discovery
The event marked a milestone for Insilico Medicine. In 2015, the company received the PMWC Emerging Company Award for early work applying generative artificial intelligence and machine learning to drug discovery. At the time, PMWC Co-Founder and President Tal Behar noted the potential for AI technologies to transform aging and longevity research.
Ten years later, Zhavoronkov returned to the PMWC stage as a track chair and presenter, reflecting the growing role of AI-enabled approaches in biomedical research and drug development.
AI-Based Biomarkers and Quantification of Biological Aging
As chair of the AI-Driven Biomarkers to Quantify Aging session, Zhavoronkov moderated a discussion on computational approaches to measuring biological age and identifying biomarkers of aging.
Panel participants included:
Steve Horvath, Principal Investigator at the Altos Labs Cambridge Institute of Science and a pioneer in the development of epigenetic aging clocks
Mahdi Moqri, MD, PhD, of Harvard University and Co-Director of the Biomarkers of Aging Consortium
The discussion addressed how machine learning approaches are being applied to genomic, epigenetic, and clinical datasets to better quantify biological aging and potentially inform interventions targeting age-related diseases.
AI and the Future of Biomedical Research
PMWC 2026 also recognized leading figures in technology and innovation. Steve Wozniak, Co-Founder of Apple, received the conference’s Pioneer Award, while Brockman received the Luminary Award for contributions to the development of advanced AI systems.
The recognition reflects a broader trend discussed throughout the conference: artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into multiple stages of biomedical research, from biomarker discovery to therapeutic development.
Insilico Medicine continues to develop generative AI models for biology and chemistry aimed at accelerating drug discovery and advancing precision medicine approaches to aging and age-related diseases.
Harnessing state-of-the-art AI and automation technologies, Insilico has significantly improved the efficiency of preclinical drug development. While traditional early-stage drug discovery typically requires 3 to 6 years, from 2021 to 2024 Insilico nominated 20 preclinical candidates, achieving an average turnaround - from project initiation to preclinical candidate (PCC) nomination - of just 12 to 18 months per program, with only 60 to 200 molecules synthesized and tested in each program.
About Insilico Medicine
Insilico Medicine, a leading and global AI-driven biotech company, utilizes its proprietary Pharma.AI platform and cutting-stage automated laboratory to accelerate drug discovery and advance innovations in life sciences research. By integrating AI and automation technologies and deep in-house drug discovery capabilities, Insilico is delivering innovative drug solutions for unmet needs including fibrosis, oncology, immunology, pain, and obesity and metabolic disorders. Additionally, Insilico extends the reach of Pharma.AI across diverse industries, such as advanced materials, agriculture, nutritional products and veterinary medicine. For more information, please visit www.insilico.com.
Forward-Looking Statements:
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The Company, its Board, the employees and the agents of the Company assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release; and (b) no liability for any losses in the event that any of the forward-looking statements do not materialise or turn out to be incorrect.
END
From pioneer to leader: Alex Zhavoronkov chairs precision aging discussion and presents Luminary Award to OpenAI president at PMWC 2026
2026-03-13
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