AstraZeneca and Absci have reportedly signed a lucrative deal valued at around $247 million to develop cancer antibodies using generative AI technology. According to Reuters and the Financial Times, the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca aims to leverage Absci’s AI technology for large-scale protein analysis with the goal of finding a viable treatment for cancer.
Absci has confirmed that the collaboration with AstraZeneca will involve the development of a zero-shot generative AI model to enhance and develop novel antibody therapies, although the specific type of cancer being targeted has not been disclosed. The agreement includes milestone payments, research and development funding, an upfront fee for Absci, as well as royalties on any product sales.
The move AstraZeneca to develop AI-assisted cancer antibodies aligns with its long-term ambition to replace chemotherapy. Last July, executive VP Dave Frederickson expressed AstraZeneca’s commitment to developing drugs for various subtypes of breast cancer treatment, potentially replacing chemotherapy entirely for late-line breast cancer treatment. In October, a report the Financial Times revealed that AstraZeneca presented clinical trial data confirming its progress in developing tailored treatments to replace conventional chemotherapy.
Joining hands with Absci, AstraZeneca aims to leverage AI to optimize the production of antibodies, with the objective of accelerating the development and variety of biologics. Using AI and generative artificial intelligence, Absci is creating the best possible drug candidates based on target affinity, safety, and manufacturability. This collaborative effort reflects Absci’s ongoing AI advancements in medicine after its partnership with Almirall, a biopharmaceutical company, to develop AI-powered treatments for skin conditions and other medications.
In conclusion, this partnership represents a major leap in AI drug production and medical development, fostering innovative and advanced treatments in the field of cancer research.