Ontario researchers leverage AI to forge new path in antibiotic therapy
A McMaster University team, led by researcher Jon Stokes and in collaboration with partners at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has used artificial intelligence to identify a potential antibiotic treatment for Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The breakthrough, described by Stokes as a significant step toward a targeted therapy, illustrates how AI can accelerate drug discovery while potentially reducing costs.
How AI accelerated the search for an effective treatment
Traditionally, developing a new antibiotic can cost millions of dollars and take years. Stokes says the use of AI sequencing helped his lab complete the initial stages of the project in roughly six months and for about $60,000—an order of magnitude faster and cheaper than conventional methods. The approach focuses on sifting through vast biological data to identify compounds with the strongest promise against Crohn’s disease–related bacteria, and then rapidly testing those candidates in silico before moving to laboratory validation.
What this could mean for Crohn’s and inflammatory bowel disease
Canada has one of the highest rates of inflammatory bowel disease globally, with Crohn’s disease accounting for a substantial portion of this burden. While there is currently no cure, new antibiotic strategies that can more precisely target the gut microbiome could offer relief for many patients who have struggled with flare-ups and limited treatment options. Stokes’ work indicates that AI-driven discovery can shorten the timeline for identifying viable candidates, potentially speeding up future clinical development and eventual patient access.
Regulatory considerations and expert perspective
Wyatt Tessari L’Allié, founder of AI Governance and Safety Canada, notes that AI use cases in healthcare are generally positive when there is thorough human oversight. “Double-checking AI conclusions remains essential,” he says. In Canada, there is no broad AI legislation specific to health care; Health Canada regulates medical uses on a case-by-case basis, emphasizing rigorous safety and efficacy standards before any new therapy can reach patients.
Next steps and the broader impact
With initial steps completed, the focus now shifts to validating the antibiotic candidates in biological models and initiating preclinical studies. If successful, this line of research could not only provide a new weapon against Crohn’s disease and IBD but also demonstrate the broader potential of AI-driven drug discovery to transform the pharmaceutical landscape.
About the report
This report is from The Canadian Press and was first published Oct. 5, 2025, highlighting a notable convergence of AI technology and medical science in Ontario and beyond.
