VANCOUVER, Wash. and NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Absci Corporation (Nasdaq: ABSI), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing breakthrough therapeutics designed with generative AI, today announced the company will report business updates and financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025 after market close on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Absci management will webcast a corresponding conference call beginning at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific Time) ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call on AI-Driven Drug Discovery (AIDD) Industry Overview - **Industry Focus**: Biotechnology, specifically AI-driven drug discovery (AIDD) in the Asia Pacific region [1] - **Current State**: AIDD is transitioning from pilot projects to commercial reality, with significant growth in partnerships and platform deals [2] Core Insights - **Chemistry Models**: These models are mature and have proven to enhance execution efficiency in drug discovery, leading to faster iteration cycles and improved hit-to-lead conversion rates [10][12] - **Biology Models**: While chemistry models are monetizable, biology models, which influence drug development decisions, are still in the validation phase. Their success hinges on demonstrating human relevance through clinical data [3][11] - **2026 as a Pivotal Year**: A series of clinical and translational readouts expected in 2026 will test the validity of biology models, potentially shifting AIDD from execution support to authoritative decision-making [4][16] Investment Opportunities - **CLARITY Framework**: This framework distinguishes between chemistry-execution platforms, which have proven value, and biology-exposed platforms, which may see a revaluation based on upcoming validation results [5][21] - **Recommended Strategy**: The strategy involves pairing investments in established chemistry platforms with selective exposure to emerging biology-validation platforms [6] Key Developments and Case Studies - **Insilico Medicine**: Positive Phase 2a data for its TNIK inhibitor indicates early validation of AI-driven biology models [23][65] - **Recursion Pharmaceuticals**: REC-4881 shows promise in clinical validation, with additional data expected in 2026 [67] - **Absci**: ABS-201, an AI-designed antibody, is in first-in-human studies, with interim data anticipated in 2H26 [66] Market Dynamics - **China's Role**: China is emerging as a key player in AIDD, leveraging its clinical development infrastructure and rapid adoption of AI tools to enhance drug discovery processes [4][72][77] - **Global Trends**: The biopharmaceutical industry is facing pressures such as patent cliffs and declining R&D ROI, driving the need for innovative tools like AIDD [13][41] Risks and Challenges - **Adoption Barriers**: Organizational frictions, such as data silos and misaligned incentives, may hinder the widespread adoption of AIDD technologies [15][50] - **Validation Risks**: Biology models may fail to demonstrate consistent human relevance, which could impact their adoption and valuation [26][70] Conclusion - **Future Outlook**: The next 18-24 months are critical for AIDD, with multiple programs expected to generate early clinical signals that could validate the efficacy of AI in drug discovery [56][70] - **Investment Implications**: As biology models gain validation, there may be a shift in how AIDD companies capture value, moving towards co-development and downstream economic participation [69][71]

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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 ...

Core Viewpoint - Absci Corporation (NASDAQ:ABSI) faces increased risks and limited visibility following a downgrade by Morgan Stanley, which has impacted its price target and strategic direction [1][2]. Group 1: Company Performance and Strategy - Morgan Stanley downgraded Absci Corporation from Overweight to Equalweight and reduced its price target from $5.80 to $4.32 due to higher risk and limited near-term visibility after the third-quarter update [1]. - Interim Phase 1 data for ABS-101 underperformed expectations, particularly regarding half-life performance compared to competitors, leading the company to halt internal advancement of ABS-101 and explore alternative indications and partnerships [1][2]. - The financial model was updated to remove ABS-101 and include ABS-201, which targets androgenetic alopecia, with a 25% probability of success and estimated peak risk-adjusted sales of approximately $400 million [2]. Group 2: Research and Development - Preclinical data for ABS-201 indicated activity in human scalp tissue, suggesting potential benefits for hair growth, with interim data from the Phase 1/2a HEADLINE study expected in the second half of 2026 [3]. - Absci Corporation is a clinical-stage biotech firm utilizing its proprietary AI platform to design and develop innovative protein-based therapeutics [3].

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]