Eli Lilly jumps deeper into AI
Eli Lilly has vaulted into an AI-enabled drug discovery deal, partnering with RNA specialist Genetic Leap in a pact worth up to $409 million in upfront and milestone payments.
New York-based Genetic Leap is built on AI models designed to support the discovery of RNA-targeted drugs. The stack features technologies for discovering new targets and finding ways to engage validated but undruggable targets. Astellas teamed up with the biotech to use the platform to find RNA-targeted small molecules against an undisclosed oncology target in 2022.
Now, Lilly has joined the list of Genetic Leap partners. The Big Pharma has entered into a research pact that will see Genetic Leap use its RNA-targeted AI platform to generate genetic drug candidates against selected targets. Lilly will pick targets in high-priority areas, and Genetic Leap will find oligonucleotide drugs against the targets.
The focus makes Genetic Leap part of a band of biotechs working to overturn traditional thinking about drugging RNA. As naturally polarized molecules with shallow binding pockets, the nucleic acid was seen as a poor fit for small molecules. However, over the past decade, biotechs such as Arrakis Therapeutics have set up shop and begun trying to target RNA.
from www.fiercebiotech.com