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PharmAla Biotech Launches Phenesafe AI Drug Discovery Platform for Novel Phenethylamines
Globenewswire· 2025-05-15 13:00
Core Insights - PharmAla Biotech Holdings Inc. has launched the Phenesafe AI platform, aimed at developing novel substituted phenethylamine molecules for patenting and further development [1][2] - The company believes that the MDXX class has significant potential for treating various psychiatric and neurological conditions, and the Phenesafe AI platform will enhance their drug discovery capabilities [2][3] Company Overview - PharmAla Biotech is focused on the research, development, and manufacturing of MDXX class molecules, including MDMA, and is the only company providing clinical-grade MDMA for patient treatments outside of clinical trials [4] - The company aims to alleviate the backlog of generic, clinical-grade MDMA for clinical trials and commercial sales while also developing novel drugs within the same class [4] Phenesafe AI Platform - The Phenesafe AI platform combines various tools, including a QSAR model developed with the University of Windsor and specialized AI chemical pathway modeling tools, to facilitate the development and patenting of new molecules [2] - The platform is designed to streamline the drug discovery process by identifying targets, assessing synthesis feasibility, and focusing on safety and intended function [3] Research and Development Focus - PharmAla's R&D unit has completed proof-of-concept research into several intellectual property families, including its lead drug candidate ALA-002 [4] - The company emphasizes the importance of regulatory relationships and safety pharmacology in achieving success in the psychedelics industry [5]
Absci(ABSI) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-13 21:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $1.2 million, reflecting ongoing progress in partner programs [19] - Research and development expenses increased to $16.4 million from $12.2 million in the prior year, driven by advancements in internal programs [19] - Selling, general and administrative expenses rose to $9.5 million from $8.7 million, primarily due to increased stock compensation [20] - Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments at the end of the quarter totaled $134 million, up from $112.4 million as of December 31, 2024 [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company initiated its first in-human clinical trial for ABS 101, marking its transition to a clinical-stage biotech [6] - ABS 201, targeting androgenetic alopecia, is progressing towards a first-in-human trial expected in early 2026 [13] - The company is advancing multiple programs, including ABS 301 and ABS 501, with ongoing preclinical studies [14][42] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - ABS 201 targets a market of approximately 80 million adults in the U.S. affected by androgenetic alopecia, with potential for significant therapeutic innovation [11] - The company is exploring additional indications for ABS 201, including endometriosis, indicating a broader market strategy [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its AI platform to design novel therapeutics addressing unmet medical needs, focusing on high-value proprietary internal programs [17] - Plans to retain and develop ABS 201 through later stages of clinical development to maximize value [19] - The company is engaged in discussions with potential partners for drug creation partnerships, anticipating signing agreements with large pharma [16][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to execute across its portfolio, with a strong balance sheet supporting ongoing investments [21] - The FDA's proposal to reduce animal testing aligns with the company's AI-driven approach to drug development, presenting a favorable regulatory environment [15][67] - Management expects to see enhanced deal terms for future partnerships due to recent clinical successes [61] Other Important Information - The company is committed to leading biotech innovation through AI, aiming to deliver life-changing treatments [16] - Interim results from the ABS 101 trial are expected later in 2025, with a focus on safety and tolerability [8][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for ABS 101's phase one top line results? - Management is looking for a favorable safety profile, low immunogenicity, and target engagement similar to previous data presented [26][27] Question: Can ABS 201 potentially be self-administered in the future? - Management believes it could be self-administered but will initially work with dermatologists for effective administration [28] Question: How is market segmentation being approached for ABS 201? - The company sees potential efficacy across various segments of the androgenetic alopecia population and will evaluate this in clinical trials [31][33] Question: What is the expected timeline for ABS 301's development candidate? - The company is progressing towards a drug candidate nomination but has not disclosed a specific timeline [42] Question: How does the company view its cost structure in the current market? - The company is focused on leveraging efficiencies from its AI platform to potentially reduce costs and reallocate resources [62]
Alphabet's AI drug discovery platform Isomorphic Labs raises $600M from Thrive
TechCrunch· 2025-03-31 20:58
Funding and Investment - Isomorphic Labs has raised $600 million in external capital for the first time, led by Thrive Capital with participation from GV and Alphabet [1] - The funding will accelerate the development of Isomorphic's AI drug design engine and support the goal of bringing discovered drugs to clinical trials [1] Company Background - Isomorphic Labs was founded by DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis, leveraging DeepMind's software for AI drug discovery, including the AlphaFold model [2] - The company secured strategic partnerships with Eli Lilly and Novartis last year, potentially generating up to $3 billion in milestone payments for access to its AI model [2] Leadership and Recognition - Demis Hassabis stated that while Isomorphic Labs did not need the capital, the funding will assist in hiring top research scientists [3] - Hassabis and DeepMind researcher John Jumper received a Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2024 for their work on AlphaFold [3]