Pierre Fabre Laboratories and Iktos, a Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics firm specializing in drug discovery, entered an integrated drug discovery collaboration to identify and develop novel small-molecule drug candidates in oncology. The alliance aims to advance oncology research by integrating computational design, medicinal chemistry, biology, medical science and preclinical development.

Under the agreement, Iktos will leverage its AI-driven generative design platform to help advance the discovery of optimized small-molecule candidates against an undisclosed oncology target. Pierre Fabre Laboratories will contribute its oncology research and preclinical development to help guide the selection, evaluation, and progression of candidate molecules.

Financial terms of the agreement are not disclosed but include an upfront and several milestone payments.

Audrey Kauffmann, Head of Data Science and Biometry at Pierre Fabre Medical Care R&D, said, “By integrating Iktos’ generative AI and automated chemistry technologies into our research platforms, we are taking a step toward realizing our data and AI strategy. This cooperation exemplifies our ambition to leverage cutting-edge innovation to improve the quality and probability of success in drug discovery, while accelerating the delivery of meaningful advances for patients in oncology.”

“We are delighted to start a drug discovery collaboration with Iktos”, said Olivier Geneste, Head of Drug Discovery at Pierre Fabre Medical Care R&D. “Thanks to its well-established expertise in generative AI coupled to automated chemistry, we strongly believe that Iktos will help us in accelerating and derisking the discovery of innovative therapeutics targeting a highly valuable oncology target to serve unmet cancer patients’ needs.”