Published: Oct 25, 2011

Scientists invent a new way of identifying effective drug combos

As more prescription medications are developed, researchers have been working to find the perfect mix of pills to combat various diseases. Recently, scientists from The University of Manchester have found a way to identify drug groupings that may prevent inflammation, setting them apart from billions of others possible combinations.

Researchers came to their conclusions by testing 50 drug combinations at a time in the laboratory, looking for the group that would effectively fight the kind of inflammation seen in cancer, stroke and Alzheimer's disease.

"Our experiments were guided by software that is based on an evolutionary algorithm. The algorithm suggests new drug combinations from previous ones by re-mixing their components - much like the DNA of a child is a mix of that of their parents," said study authors.

Although this current trial was focused on inflammation, researchers believe that their formula may be applicable to all complex diseases that are not controlled with just one medication. This could reduce the "trial and error" process that patients and doctors go through to find the right combination of pills that effectively combat an illness.