AstraZeneca has announced a new partnership with biotechnology firm Immunai Inc., committing $18 million to utilize Immunai's AI-driven immune system model for optimizing cancer drug trials. This collaboration is part of AstraZeneca’s ongoing strategy to incorporate artificial intelligence into drug discovery and development, following a $247 million deal with U.S.-based Absci in late 2023 to design cancer-fighting antibodies.
Founded in 2018, Immunai specializes in single-cell genomics, a cutting-edge technique that analyzes the genetic makeup of individual cells. By combining this with machine learning, Immunai decodes the immune system, accelerating the discovery and development of novel therapeutics. Through this collaboration, AstraZeneca will gain access to Immunai’s AI platform, using it to refine clinical decision-making processes in cancer drug trials, including dose selection and biomarker identification.
The partnership will initially focus on improving the efficiency of immunotherapy trials. "This collaboration allows us to gain valuable insights into the mechanisms of action of immunotherapies," said Iker Huerga, AstraZeneca’s Chief Data Scientist for Oncology R&D. AstraZeneca also has the option to extend both the duration and scope of the collaboration, potentially broadening the use of Immunai's platform in future projects.
This tie-up is the latest in a series of AI-driven initiatives for AstraZeneca, which has been actively exploring artificial intelligence to advance drug discovery. By integrating AI into its clinical trial processes, the pharmaceutical giant aims to accelerate the development of new therapies, streamline trials, and enhance precision in decision-making.
AstraZeneca’s growing commitment to AI underscores the role of technology in shaping the future of oncology research, as the company continues to explore innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes and drive medical advancements.
