LAPSE:2026.0434
Published Article

LAPSE:2026.0434
Hybrid Multi-Task Learning for Sustainability-Aware Pharmaceutical Molecular Design
June 12, 2026
Abstract
Environmental sustainability is increasingly recognized as a critical consideration in pharmaceutical development, yet it is rarely incorporated at the scale of molecular-level design. This study introduces a strategy to predict cradle-to-gate indicators that can be flexibly incorporated into multiple early-stage molecular prioritization scenarios. A dataset of 150 pharmaceutical-relevant molecules was compiled, with each molecule described by structural descriptors, thermophysical properties, and ReCiPe endpoint indicators representing human health, ecosystem quality, and resource scarcity. A dual-branch multi-task model combining graph-based and descriptor-based representations was trained to predict these three endpoint indicators. Model performance was evaluated through validation metrics, local sensitivity analysis, and SHAP-based interpretability. A case study with solubility-based feasibility constraints was then used to illustrate how different sustainability weighting schemes affect molecular ranking and to demonstrate the potential for incorporating sustainability assessment into early-stage molecular prioritization. The results indicate that sustainability preferences can lead to distinct prioritization patterns, while some candidates remain comparatively favourable across scenarios.
Environmental sustainability is increasingly recognized as a critical consideration in pharmaceutical development, yet it is rarely incorporated at the scale of molecular-level design. This study introduces a strategy to predict cradle-to-gate indicators that can be flexibly incorporated into multiple early-stage molecular prioritization scenarios. A dataset of 150 pharmaceutical-relevant molecules was compiled, with each molecule described by structural descriptors, thermophysical properties, and ReCiPe endpoint indicators representing human health, ecosystem quality, and resource scarcity. A dual-branch multi-task model combining graph-based and descriptor-based representations was trained to predict these three endpoint indicators. Model performance was evaluated through validation metrics, local sensitivity analysis, and SHAP-based interpretability. A case study with solubility-based feasibility constraints was then used to illustrate how different sustainability weighting schemes affect molecular ranking and to demonstrate the potential for incorporating sustainability assessment into early-stage molecular prioritization. The results indicate that sustainability preferences can lead to distinct prioritization patterns, while some candidates remain comparatively favourable across scenarios.
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Ma Y, Gao S, Benyahia B. Hybrid Multi-Task Learning for Sustainability-Aware Pharmaceutical Molecular Design. Systems and Control Transactions 5:1847-1855 (2026) https://doi.org/10.69997/sct.173725
Author Affiliations
Ma Y: Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, United Kingdom [ORCID]
Gao S: Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, United Kingdom [ORCID]
Benyahia B: Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, United Kingdom [ORCID]
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Gao S: Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, United Kingdom [ORCID]
Benyahia B: Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, United Kingdom [ORCID]
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Journal Name
Systems and Control Transactions
Volume
5
First Page
1847
Last Page
1855
Year
2026
Publication Date
2026-06-12
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Original Submission
Other Meta
PII: 1847-1855-614-SCT-5-2026, Publication Type: Journal Article
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LAPSE:2026.0434
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https://doi.org/10.69997/sct.173725
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Jun 12, 2026
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References Cited
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