AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical company renowned for developing a COVID-19 vaccine, has entered into a collaboration with Absci, a U.S.-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) biologics firm, to pioneer an antibody for cancer treatment. The partnership, involving an investment of up to $247 million by AstraZeneca, aims to leverage a zero-shot generative AI model.
This model is designed to facilitate the creation of new antibody therapeutics for cancer and enhance existing treatments, although the specific cancer types were not disclosed in the Financial Times report on December 3.
Absci, known for its AI capabilities screening “billions of cells” weekly, boasts an expedited process, progressing from antibodies to lab-validated candidates within six weeks. AstraZeneca’s Senior Vice President, Puja Sapra, emphasized the role of AI in accelerating the biologics discovery process and diversifying the range of biologics.
According to Absci CEO Sean McClain, AstraZeneca’s collaboration will harness their AI capabilities. While details from Absci are awaited, the partnership underscores the growing significance of AI in healthcare, promising accelerated research and enhanced data analysis accuracy.
In a similar vein, Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority initiated an AI pilot in November to combat superbugs by analyzing clinical data to assess the necessity of prescribing antibiotics, a move aimed at addressing the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs.