Absci Corp., a Vancouver, Wash.-based company, is teaming up with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to develop up to six new cancer therapeutics using generative artificial intelligence. By combining Absci’s AI and wet lab technologies with MSK’s oncology expertise, the goal is to co-develop these therapeutics and explore how AI can contribute to the fight against cancer. The partnership began with discussions at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare conference in San Francisco earlier this year, with MSK identifying cancer targets and Absci using AI to design antibodies to bind to those targets.
The use of AI in drug discovery and development is becoming increasingly popular, with companies and researchers leveraging this technology in various ways. The Pacific Northwest has emerged as a hub for this intersection of AI and life sciences expertise. Absci already has partnerships with major companies such as AstraZeneca, Merck, and NVIDIA, but this collaboration with a non-profit research institute like MSK represents a unique opportunity for the company to further its work in the field. This partnership highlights the potential for combining AI capabilities with domain-specific knowledge to address complex problems in healthcare.
Absci, founded in 2011 by CEO Sean McClain, is a company specializing in using AI to develop drugs. McClain, a molecular and cellular biologist, started the company at the age of 22 and has led its growth and development over the years. Absci went public on the Nasdaq in 2021, reflecting the company’s success and potential in the market. The collaboration with MSK underscores Absci’s commitment to leveraging AI technologies to innovate in the field of drug discovery, particularly in the area of cancer therapeutics.
The partnership between Absci and MSK holds promise for advancing cancer research and treatment by combining cutting-edge AI technologies with deep domain expertise in oncology. By identifying new targets and designing novel therapies using AI, the companies aim to accelerate the development of cancer treatments and improve outcomes for patients. This collaboration is part of a broader trend in the industry where AI is being used to streamline drug discovery processes and bring innovative therapies to market more efficiently.
The collaboration between Absci and MSK is a significant step towards harnessing the power of AI in healthcare and research. By leveraging Absci’s AI capabilities and MSK’s oncology knowledge, the partnership aims to push the boundaries of what is possible in cancer therapeutics. This collaboration represents a new model for how companies and research institutions can work together to accelerate scientific discovery and bring new treatments to patients. As AI continues to transform the drug discovery landscape, partnerships like this one will likely become more common in the future.
Overall, the partnership between Absci Corp. and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center highlights the potential of AI in advancing cancer research and drug development. By combining AI technologies with domain-specific expertise, the companies aim to create novel cancer therapeutics that could have a significant impact on patient outcomes. This collaboration underscores the growing importance of AI in the life sciences industry and the Pacific Northwest’s emergence as a hub for AI-driven innovation in healthcare. As companies like Absci continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in drug discovery, partnerships with research institutions like MSK will play a crucial role in driving progress and improving healthcare outcomes for patients.
