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Iktos and Cube Biotech Join Forces for Advanced Drug Discovery

In a notable development for the pharmaceutical sector, Iktos, a frontrunner in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for drug design, has partnered with Cube Biotech, an innovator in membrane protein production and purification technology. This collaboration, announced on January 10, 2025, aims to leverage their unique individual strengths to discover new small molecule agonists of the Amylin Receptor, a target that holds immense potential for addressing significant health challenges.

The Synergy of Two Leaders

The partnership integrates Iktos's cutting-edge generative AI-driven drug discovery platform with Cube Biotech's advanced native membrane protein technology, NativeMPTM. Together, they aim to develop breakthrough therapies that could help fight cardiometabolic disorders, which are prevalent in today's society. The Amylin Receptor has emerged as a critical player in managing appetite and satiety, making it an attractive target for tackling obesity and associated metabolic conditions.

Targeting Unmet Medical Needs

According to recent statistics, obesity affects over one-third of the global population. Traditional treatments, such as GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies, often fall short due to high costs, accessibility issues, and undesirable side effects. By focusing on developing orally administered small molecule agonists of the Amylin receptor, the partnership hopes to overcome these barriers, making effective treatment options available to a larger patient base.

Innovative Approaches in Drug Development

The collaboration aims to streamline and innovate the drug development process. Amylin receptor agonists, while promising, have posed challenges due to their structural and biological complexity, which has historically hampered the discovery of viable low-molecular-weight modulators. Iktos's AI technology plays a pivotal role here, utilizing a sophisticated 3D generative chemistry approach that considers protein flexibility during molecule optimization. This advantage sets it apart from traditional models like AlphaFold.

On the other hand, Cube Biotech's proprietary platform ensures the stability of membrane proteins, which is essential for accessing biologically active drug targets for testing. Their native protein stabilization technology enhances the reliability of functional assays and structural insights, providing a solid foundation for drug discovery workflows.

Meeting the Challenges of Membrane Targets

Yann Gaston-Mathé, Co-founder and CEO of Iktos, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "By tackling one of the most pressing unmet needs in cardiometabolic disorders, our partnership with Cube Biotech aims to discover improved treatments for patients affected by obesity, diabetes, and related conditions." Meanwhile, Dr. Barbara Maertens, Co-founder and COO of Cube Biotech, emphasized the collaboration's goal of setting new standards in drug discovery efficiency through advanced protein stabilization and structural analysis technologies.

A Vision for the Future

The future looks promising as Iktos and Cube Biotech combine their strengths in a mission to unlock new therapeutic possibilities for challenging drug targets such as G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and other complex membrane proteins. This collaboration is not only geared towards immediate results but also lays the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at addressing some of the most difficult challenges in modern medicine.

About Iktos and Cube Biotech

Iktos has established a reputation as a pioneer in AI and robotic solutions for drug discovery, with its innovative software platforms and robotics streamlining the design-make-test-analyze cycle. On the other hand, Cube Biotech is recognized for its expertise in membrane protein production and purification, driving innovation in drug discovery across the pharmaceutical industry.

As these two leaders come together, the pharmaceutical landscape anticipates new developments that promise to enhance treatment options for millions worldwide. This strategic collaboration exemplifies how the intersection of technology and healthcare can create groundbreaking solutions for pressing medical needs.