3.49亿美元！默沙东押注两款AI小分子新药合作

Core Insights - Variation AI has announced a collaboration with Merck to utilize its Enki™ platform for drug discovery targeting two undisclosed therapeutic targets [1][2] - The agreement allows Variation AI to use a fine-tuned version of its Enki™ platform, trained on Merck's proprietary data, to generate and optimize small molecule candidates [2] - Merck will hold exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the compounds, while Variation AI will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for milestone payments totaling up to $349 million [2] Company Overview - Variation AI is a venture-backed generative AI drug discovery company based in Vancouver, Canada, founded by researchers from MIT, Caltech, Google Research, Microsoft Research, and D-Wave Quantum [3] - The Enki™ platform employs advanced generative AI models to design and optimize novel small molecules, enhancing the success rate and accelerating the discovery and development of transformative therapies [3] - In the past year, Variation AI has formed partnerships with Rakovina Therapeutics, ImmVue Therapeutics, Oncorrhos, and Life Chemicals [3]