February 2, 2026 11:31 PM GMT Biotechnology | Asia Pacific M Idea Crossing the Molecule: Why 2026 Is the Make-or-Break Year for AI in Drug Discovery AI-driven drug discovery is verging on an inflection, as serial data readouts in 2026 test whether biology models can meaningfully improve drug development success rates. We lay out what could shift AIDD from workflow tool to industry adoption curve, and how investors should position accordingly. AIDD has moved from pilot wins to commercial reality: Chemistry-f ...

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Group 1 - U.S. stock futures are lower, with Dow futures down approximately 100 points [1] - H.B. Fuller Company reported fourth-quarter earnings of $1.28 per share, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $1.23 per share [1] - H.B. Fuller reported quarterly sales of $894.788 million, which fell short of the analyst consensus estimate of $902.508 million [1] Group 2 - H.B. Fuller shares declined 3.7% to $62.32 in pre-market trading [2] - TryHard Holdings Ltd shares fell 11.8% to $28.20 in pre-market trading [3] - Caledonia Mining Corporation PLC shares tumbled 9.9% to $29.20 following the announcement of a $125 million offering of convertible senior notes [3] - Buckle Inc shares decreased 7.4% to $51.30 in pre-market trading [3] - NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Inc shares fell 5.6% to $12.02 in pre-market trading [3] - Trip.com Group Ltd shares dipped 4.1% to $60.20, following a 17% drop on Wednesday due to an investigation by China's SAMR for potential anti-monopoly violations [3] - Diversified Healthcare Trust shares fell 4% to $5.14 in pre-market trading [3] - Absci Corp shares declined 3.3% to $3.24 in pre-market trading [3] - Iperionx Ltd shares fell 3.3% to $47.99 in pre-market trading [3] - GeoPark Ltd shares decreased 2.7% to $7.55 in pre-market trading [3] - Esperion Therapeutics Inc shares fell 2% to $3.17 in pre-market trading [3]

Core Insights - The company, Absci, is a generative AI drug creation firm that is entering a new era with molecules designed by its AI moving into clinical trials, with proof of concept expected within 24 months for two Phase II readouts in androgenic alopecia and endometriosis [1][2] Group 1: AI in Drug Discovery - The company aims to industrialize AI for drug discovery, leveraging AI to identify target biology and design molecules [2] - A new model, Origin-1, has been announced, which enhances the AI's capabilities through a wet lab in the loop approach [2] - The company has a rapid 6-week cycle time for validating its models with real-world data, facilitating informed decision-making regarding biological targets [2]

Summary of Absci's Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Absci - **Industry**: Biotechnology, specifically focused on generative AI for drug discovery Key Points and Arguments AI-Driven Drug Discovery - Absci is leveraging generative AI to design drug molecules, with a focus on high unmet medical needs and poor standard of care diseases [2][4] - The company has developed a new model called **Origin One**, which allows for the design of antibodies targeting "zero prior epitopes," enabling the pursuit of hard-to-drug targets [4][5][26] Clinical Pipeline - Absci is advancing two key programs: **ABS-201** for androgenic alopecia and endometriosis, with phase 2 readouts expected within 24 months [2][4] - The traditional drug development timeline is significantly reduced from 5.5 years and $50-$100 million to approximately 2 years and $15 million for Absci's programs [3] ABS-201 for Androgenic Alopecia - The target market includes 80 million people in the U.S. suffering from androgenic alopecia, with current treatments being ineffective [7][20] - ABS-201 aims to block the prolactin receptor, which is believed to reverse hair follicle miniaturization and promote hair regrowth [9][12][13] - The company has conducted studies showing promising results in animal models, including a significant hair regrowth in stump-tailed macaques [10][11] Market Potential - The total addressable market for ABS-201 in the U.S. is estimated to exceed $25 billion, with a global market potential of over $40 billion [20] - A consumer quant study indicated high interest in ABS-201, with 97% of men and 88% of women likely to inquire about the product [18] ABS-201 for Endometriosis - Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, with a significant need for effective treatments as current options are inadequate [20][22] - The mechanism of action involves blocking prolactin receptors to reduce lesion growth and alleviate pain [21][22] Financial Position and Future Outlook - Absci reported a balance sheet of $143 million, providing a runway into the first half of 2028 [23] - The company anticipates a busy 24 months ahead, with multiple clinical readouts and the potential for new drug candidates [24] Competitive Landscape - Absci's AI methodology differentiates itself by focusing on biologics and hard-to-drug targets, contrasting with competitors like Recursion, which focuses on small molecules [26] - The company is exploring partnerships to enhance its drug discovery capabilities, including a recent $20 million investment from AMD for scaling compute in protein design [45][46] Consumer Insights and Pricing Strategy - Patients are dissatisfied with current treatment options, with only 9% reporting satisfaction, indicating a significant market opportunity for effective solutions [36] - Pricing strategies are still under consideration, but consumer surveys suggest a willingness to pay for effective and convenient treatments [40] Additional Important Insights - The psychological impact of hair loss is significant, with 80% of men and 81% of women reporting negative effects on their self-esteem [19] - The company is committed to addressing women's health issues, particularly in underfunded areas like endometriosis [20] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting Absci's innovative approach to drug discovery, its clinical pipeline, market potential, and strategic positioning within the biotechnology industry.

GENERATIVE AI DRUG CREATION 2026 J.P. MORGAN HEALTHCARE CONFERENCE GENERATIVE AI DRUG CREATION Disclaimers COPYRIGHT© 2026 ABSCI CORPORATION | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2 FORWARD - LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expres ...

Absci Corporation (NASDAQ:ABSI) is one of the best penny stocks to buy in 2026. On January 8, Morgan Stanley downgraded Absci Corporation (NASDAQ:ABSI) to Equalweight from Overweight and cut its price target to $4.32 from $5.80, citing higher risk and limited near-term visibility following the company’s third-quarter update. Interim Phase 1 data for ABS-101, Absci’s TL1A program, came in below expectations, particularly on half-life performance, which trailed next-generation competitors. In response, the c ...

Group 1 - Absci Corporation (NASDAQ:ABSI) has initiated the Phase 1/2a HEADLINE clinical trial for ABS-201, an experimental anti-prolactin receptor antibody, with the first healthy volunteers dosed [2] - The trial aims to evaluate effectiveness, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, safety, and tolerability, with interim results expected in late 2026 [2] - ABS-201 targets indications in women's health and dermatology, representing a strategic move to advance internally produced assets into clinical development [2] Group 2 - Following an investor event, H.C. Wainwright raised its price target for Absci Corporation from $7 to $8 while maintaining a Buy rating, incorporating ABS-201 into its financial model [3] - The firm highlighted the potential of ABS-201 to increase the percentage of hair follicles in the growth phase, which is crucial for addressing hair loss [3] - The preclinical evidence presented during the event was noted to lend credibility to the ABS-201 program [3] Group 3 - Absci Corporation is recognized as an artificial intelligence-powered synthetic biology firm focused on unlocking the potential of proteins as the next generation of drugs [4] - While the potential of ABSI as an investment is acknowledged, there are opinions that other AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Core Insights - The article discusses the best genomics stocks to invest in, focusing on companies involved in genetic editing, testing, and sequencing [1] Regulatory Developments - The U.S. FDA has introduced a new regulatory pathway to expedite approvals for tailored gene-editing therapies, allowing combination clinical trials for individuals with related genetic conditions [2] - This new approach leverages advancements in CRISPR technology, enabling faster regulatory actions, particularly for rare disorders affecting small patient populations [3] Research Findings - A report from the American Journal of Human Genetics highlights the FDA's approval of platform studies that edit only the guide RNA for specific mutations, potentially lowering development costs and increasing access to treatments for disorders like phenylketonuria [4] Investment Methodology - The selection of the 12 best genomics stocks was based on hedge fund holdings and analysts' upside potential, with a focus on stocks that hedge funds favor [6][7] Company Highlights - **Personalis, Inc. (NASDAQ:PSNL)**: - Analysts have set a price target of $11, up from $9, citing upcoming catalysts in life science instruments and diagnostics [8] - The company has revised its 2025 sales forecast down to a range of $68 million to $73 million, with a projected net loss of about $85 million [9][10] - Personalis specializes in genomic sequencing and analytics for developing tailored cancer vaccines [11] - **Absci Corporation (NASDAQ:ABSI)**: - The company is conducting a Phase 1/2a clinical trial for ABS-201, an experimental anti-prolactin receptor antibody, with interim results expected in late 2026 [12] - H.C. Wainwright has increased its price target for Absci to $8, highlighting the potential of ABS-201 in enhancing hair follicle growth [13] - Absci focuses on using AI in synthetic biology to unlock the potential of proteins as next-generation drugs [14]

Core Viewpoint - Absci Corporation (NASDAQ:ABSI) is identified as a promising investment opportunity with a consensus buy rating among analysts, indicating significant upside potential based on recent developments in its drug programs [1]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - As of December 24, Absci Corporation has a consensus buy rating from nine analysts, with a median price target of $9, suggesting an upside potential of 150.70% [1]. - H.C. Wainwright reaffirmed a 'Buy' rating on December 17, raising the price target from $7 to $8, reflecting an upside potential of 125% due to the incorporation of ABS-201 into the company's financial model [2]. Group 2: Product Development and Clinical Evidence - The ABS-201 program is designed to enhance hair follicle growth phases, potentially reducing hair shedding, supported by strong preclinical evidence [3]. - New preclinical data presented on December 11 indicates that ABS-201 may effectively stimulate hair growth in human scalp tissue by targeting the prolactin receptor (PRLR), which aids in stem cell preservation and prolongs the active growth phase of hair follicles [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Absci Corporation is a Washington-based generative AI drug-creation company founded in 2011, integrating AI with scalable wet lab technologies to develop unique antibody therapeutics [5].