Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are reshaping the landscape of drug discovery, as evidenced by a new collaboration between UK start-up Relation Therapeutics and the global pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Announced on Monday, this partnership aims to explore innovative treatment targets for fibroses and osteoarthritis, indicating a significant move towards integrating advanced technologies in biopharmaceutical development.
GSK has committed to an initial investment of $45 million, which includes $15 million in equity, as well as potential milestone payments that could reach up to $63 million based on the success of the collaboration. In addition, Relation has the opportunity to earn “biobucks” averaging $200 million for each target pursued, alongside tiered royalties; however, the total number of targets involved in this initiative has not been disclosed.
In an interview with Endpoints News, Kaivan Khavandi, GSK’s global head of respiratory/immunology R&D, elaborated on the collaborative approach being embraced. “The theme here is integrating human genetics with patient-derived tissue and cellular data, applying multiomics and then, in this instance, an emphasis on advanced analytics and machine learning, which creates this lab in the loop,” he stated. This integrative strategy highlights the intention behind this collaboration: harnessing cutting-edge technology to enhance the understanding of human biology in drug development.
GSK's recent partnership with Relation Therapeutics comes amid a busy period, with the company securing five biotech agreements in just this month, part of a broader pipeline involving programmes in pulmonary fibrosis and systemic sclerosis related to interstitial lung disease.
Relation Therapeutics, located in London near GSK’s AI hub, has attracted approximately $80 million in funding from various investors, including Nvidia’s venture arm. The start-up focuses on leveraging machine learning, genomics, and other innovative methodologies to advance its drug discovery efforts. As David Roblin, CEO of Relation, pointed out in an interview, “I keep telling people, ‘It’s the biology, stupid.’” Roblin emphasized the necessity for an improved understanding of biology and human disease, despite marked advancements in R&D processes over recent years.
The collaboration also sees a reunion of industry veterans Roblin and Tony Wood, who now leads science at GSK. The two previously worked together at Pfizer, contributing to significant developments in HIV treatments. Roblin remarked on GSK's understanding of integrating machine learning with high-density biology, indicating a shared vision between the companies.
The growing trend of employing AI technologies among big pharmaceutical firms is evident, with many organisations investing significantly in machine learning capabilities. Alongside GSK, other major players have formed similar partnerships with emerging start-ups, reflecting a competitive industry landscape where technology and biology converge.
Relation Therapeutics' ongoing research prioritises osteoporosis, with plans to enter IND-enabling studies by 2026. The start-up is also considering expanding into additional disease areas. A particularly noteworthy aspect of Relation’s research is its "bone atlas," developed through sequencing near 300 hip samples from patients undergoing hip replacement surgery in London, contributing invaluable data to the understanding of bone health.
The collaboration with GSK broadens Relation’s focus to include a skin atlas for the study of fibroses, starting with the condition known as scleroderma, which can result in fibrosis across multiple bodily systems. This project will allow Relation to utilise skin tissue as a primary biopsy source, further enhancing their research capabilities.
As part of strengthening its expertise, GSK welcomed Sarah Teichmann earlier this year, a co-founder of the Human Cell Atlas Project and chair of stem cell medicine at the University of Cambridge’s Stem Cell Institute, reinforcing the commitment to pioneering approaches in drug development.
In summary, the partnership between Relation Therapeutics and GSK exemplifies the evolving dynamics of the pharmaceutical industry as it increasingly embraces AI and machine learning technologies in pursuit of innovative therapies and deeper biological insights. The outcomes of this collaboration may contribute significantly to future trends in drug discovery and development practices.
Source: Noah Wire Services