Boston – March 27, 2024
Advancing AI-Driven Drug Discovery
PostEra has provided an update on the progress of its AI Lab, a collaboration with Pfizer established in January 2022 to advance multiple preclinical drug discovery programs. The AI Lab integrates Pfizer’s extensive data resources with PostEra’s cutting-edge machine learning for medicinal chemistry, utilizing generative chemistry and synthesis-aware design to accelerate small molecule development.
Rapid Progress and Faster Milestones
Over the past two years, the AI Lab has significantly outperformed initial projections, with one program achieving its first scientific stage gate 40% faster than expected. A second program has also demonstrated accelerated progress, benefiting from the seamless integration of PostEra’s AI technology and Pfizer’s data and expertise.
Expansion with a New Drug Discovery Target
Building on this success, Pfizer has nominated a third target into the AI Lab, reinforcing the collaboration’s momentum and potential impact. This nomination aligns with the existing collaboration agreement and highlights the value of AI in streamlining the drug discovery pipeline.
Executive Perspectives on the AI Lab’s Success
“Working together, our teams have been able to rapidly apply PostEra’s novel AI technology to drug discovery efforts, which may in turn help accelerate the identification of potential medical breakthroughs for patients in need,” said Patrick Verhoest, Head of Medicine Design at Pfizer.
“Reflecting on the first half of the AI Lab, it’s been encouraging to see the partnership advancing with an additional target being nominated into the collaboration. We’re excited to further this research for the potential benefit of patients in the second half of the collaboration,” said Dr. Alpha Lee, PostEra’s Chief Scientific Officer.
About PostEra AI
PostEra is pioneering a next-generation biopharma company, leveraging its AI platform, Proton, to accelerate medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. The company advances its own pipeline while also driving small molecule programs through strategic biopharma collaborations, securing over $1 billion in AI-driven partnerships, including four multi-year agreements with Pfizer and Amgen. Committed to global health, PostEra leads an antiviral drug discovery center for pandemic preparedness, funded by one of the largest NIH grants in history. Through cutting-edge AI and machine learning, PostEra is transforming drug development to bring life-saving therapies to patients faster.