AstraZeneca and Absci have signed a deal worth $247 million to collaborate on developing cancer antibodies using generative AI, reports Reuters. AstraZeneca aims to replace chemotherapy and sees this partnership as a significant step towards achieving that goal. They plan to use Absci’s AI technology for large-scale protein analysis to search for a workable cancer treatment.
According to the agreement, Absci and AstraZeneca will collaborate to develop a zero-shot generative AI model for novel antibody therapies, although the specific type of cancer targeted has not been disclosed. The deal includes milestone payments, research and development financing, an upfront fee for Absci, and royalties on any product sales.
This partnership aligns with AstraZeneca’s recent announcement of its goal to replace conventional chemotherapy with targeted treatments for various types and stages of cancer. The company has already presented clinical studies demonstrating the potential of their novel treatments to outperform traditional chemotherapy.
Senior Vice President Puja Sapra sees the partnership with Absci as an exciting opportunity to leverage AI for antibody production, focusing on accelerating the development of more and better biologics. Absci’s CEO, Sean McClain, emphasized the benefits of using engineering concepts in drug discovery, stating that their generative AI technology creates the best possible drug candidates based on target affinity, safety, and manufacturability.
This collaboration follows Absci’s commitment to AI development in the medical field, as they recently announced an alliance with Almirall, a biopharmaceutical company, to continue drug research targeting severe and persistent skin conditions. By combining Absci’s Integrated Drug Creation platform with Almirall’s dermatological experience, the collaboration represents a significant advancement in AI drug production.
AstraZeneca and Absci’s partnership underscores the growing role of AI in medicine development, with the potential to revolutionize treatment options for various health conditions. This marks a significant milestone in the continued advancement of AI and its application in the field of medicine.
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