AstraZeneca, known for its COVID-19 vaccine development, is entering a partnership with Absci, a U.S.-based AI biologics company, to develop an antibody for cancer treatment. As reported by the Financial Times on December 3, AstraZeneca’s commitment to this collaboration includes an investment of up to $247 million, encompassing research and development, milestone payments, and an initial fee.
The partnership’s goal is to develop a zero-shot generative AI model focused on creating new antibody therapeutics for cancer and enhancing existing ones, although the specific cancer types targeted have not been disclosed. Absci’s technology, as described on their website, involves screening billions of cells weekly and rapidly producing lab-validated candidates within six weeks. Currently, Absci is engaged in 17 active projects.
Puja Sapra, AstraZeneca’s senior vice-president, highlighted the role of AI in improving the efficiency and success rate of biologics discovery, as well as in diversifying the biologics developed. Absci’s CEO, Sean McClain, confirmed the partnership, noting AstraZeneca’s contribution to advancing their AI efforts, as reported by Reuters. While Cointelegraph has reached out to Absci for further details, a response is pending.
This collaboration underscores the growing influence of AI in healthcare, particularly in expediting research and enhancing the precision of data analysis. In a related development, Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority announced in November the initiation of an AI pilot project aimed at combating multidrug-resistant organisms, or superbugs. This AI system will analyze clinical data to guide the prescription of antibiotics, addressing the challenge of superbug resistance exacerbated by antibiotic overuse.
Get $200 Free Bitcoins every hour! No Deposit No Credit Card required. Sign Up