Innovations in Drug Discovery and Ethical Challenges

This chapter explores advancements in drug discovery driven by machine learning, focusing on the partnership with a pharmaceutical company addressing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and central nervous system diseases like autism and depression. It raises complex ethical considerations around informed consent and the societal implications of risk-taking in medical trials, particularly in light of COVID-19 vaccine testing. The discussion underscores the trade-offs between human safety, ethical obligations, and the broader societal benefits in the realm of scientific research.