AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical company behind a COVID-19 vaccine, is partnering with Absci, a U.S.-based AI biologics firm, to design antibodies for cancer. The collaboration, involving an investment of up to $247 million, aims to leverage a zero-shot generative AI model to create new cancer antibody therapeutics and enhance existing ones. Absci's AI technology accelerates the biologics discovery process, offering speed and diversity. This article explores the partnership's goals and the potential impact of AI on advancing cancer treatment through innovative antibody development.


AstraZeneca, the renowned pharmaceutical company known for developing a COVID-19 vaccine, has entered into a collaboration with Absci, a U.S.-based artificial intelligence (AI) biologics firm, to pioneer the development of antibodies for cancer treatment. This partnership involves a substantial investment of up to $247 million, encompassing research and development, milestone payments, and an upfront fee.


The primary objective of this collaboration is to leverage a cutting-edge zero-shot generative AI model. This advanced AI technology will be employed to create novel antibody therapeutics specifically designed for cancer. Additionally, the collaborative effort aims to enhance the efficacy of existing cancer antibodies. While the Financial Times report did not specify the type or types of cancer targeted, the ambitious goal is to revolutionize cancer treatment through innovative antibody development.


Absci's expertise lies in utilizing AI to screen billions of cells each week, expediting the process of transitioning from antibodies to lab-validated candidates within six weeks. The company is actively engaged in 17 projects, and its AI-driven approach to drug discovery holds immense promise for transforming the biologics discovery process.


AstraZeneca's strategic investment in Absci underscores the increasing significance of AI in healthcare and pharmaceutical research. The collaboration seeks to capitalize on AI's capabilities to expedite the discovery and development of antibodies, offering a powerful tool to combat cancer.


Puja Sapra, Senior Vice President at AstraZeneca, highlighted the transformative role of AI in the biologics discovery process, stating, "AI is enabling us to not only increase the success and speed of our biologics discovery process but also enhance the diversity of the biologics we discover."


Absci's CEO, Sean McClain, emphasized the partnership's potential by leveraging AstraZeneca's expertise to enhance AI capabilities. The collaboration holds the promise of ushering in a new era of cancer treatment where AI-driven innovation plays a pivotal role in creating tailored and effective antibody therapeutics.


As the healthcare industry increasingly embraces AI for drug discovery and treatment optimization, partnerships like the one between AstraZeneca and Absci exemplify the commitment to advancing medical science through cutting-edge technology. The collaboration's success could pave the way for groundbreaking developments in cancer treatment, bringing hope to patients worldwide.


(DAVID ATTLEE, COINTELEGRAPH, 2023)