PostEra and Pfizer Expand AI Drug Discovery Collaboration to $610 Million

PostEra, known for its innovation in the biotechnology sector, has recently unveiled a major expansion of its collaboration with Pfizer, setting a new benchmark at $610 million for their AI-driven drug discovery partnership. This venture includes the launch of a new Antibody-Drug-Conjugate (ADC) collaboration and the further enhancement of their existing AI Lab collaboration valued at $260 million. This expansion is predicated on the success of their previous work together, particularly in generative chemistry.

The core of their strategy lies in leveraging PostEra's advanced AI platform, Proton. This cutting-edge tool is designed to accelerate the drug discovery process, which is critical for developing new therapeutics. The collaboration will focus on multiple programs that encompass small molecule therapeutics and ADCs. What sets Proton apart is its ability to optimize properties of payloads effectively, making it a pivotal element in their formulation of new drugs.

As part of this expansion, PostEra will receive an upfront payment of $12 million. Additionally, they stand to gain further financial benefits in the form of milestone payments and royalties dependent on the success of the products that emerge from this collaboration.

For over three years, PostEra and Pfizer have worked closely within the framework of the AI Lab, nurturing several small molecule programs. With Pfizer having already nominated the maximum number of programs, the two companies have agreed to broaden their scope, thereby necessitating additional financial commitments from Pfizer.

Alpha Lee, Chief Scientific Officer at PostEra, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We’re pleased to significantly expand the use of PostEra's Proton platform. This builds on peer-reviewed publications with Pfizer, which validate the real-world impact of AI-driven drug discovery in reaching preclinical milestones faster than anticipated." Furthermore, Aaron Morris, CEO of PostEra, emphasized the depth of this partnership, noting, “This third partnership with our long-term collaborators at Pfizer underscores Proton's depth and strength in making a meaningful impact on real-world drug discovery campaigns.”

PostEra is on a mission to modernize biopharmaceutical development, utilizing its AI platform to hasten the discovery of novel medicines. With over $1 billion in AI partnerships in their portfolio, including four long-term agreements with prestigious companies such as Pfizer and Amgen, PostEra is positioned as a leader in the biopharma industry. Additionally, they are spearheading an antiviral drug discovery center aimed at pandemic preparedness, supported by substantial funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The collaborative efforts of PostEra and Pfizer illustrate how embracing advanced technologies like AI can potentially revolutionize the field of drug discovery and development. As they continue to innovate, the impact of their work could lead to significant advancements in therapeutics that may benefit patients globally. In a time where health care improvements are paramount, this partnership stands as a testament to the future of medicine powered by artificial intelligence.

Topics Health)

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