Chinese biotechnology company XtalPi and US-based DoveTree Medicines have entered a $6bn collaboration to advance AI-driven drug discovery.
The partnership will focus on developing therapeutics for oncology, immunology, inflammation, neurology, and metabolic diseases.
XtalPi will leverage its AI and robotics expertise, while DoveTree will bring its biological insights to the table.
DoveTree will hold exclusive global rights to commercialise the therapeutics developed through this partnership.
XtalPi will receive an upfront payment of $51m, with potential near-term payments of $49m and additional milestone and royalty payments, totalling up to $5.89bn.
The collaboration aims to develop first-in-class candidates targeting challenging mechanisms, with plans to expand R&D capabilities in emerging modalities.
The partnership combines XtalPi’s drug discovery platform with DoveTree’s expertise in identifying novel therapeutic targets.
DoveTree founder and CEO Gregory Verdine said: “XtalPi’s unique platform has the potential to transform the profound uncertainties of drug discovery into quantifiable engineering solutions.
“Their demonstrated ability to innovate at scale makes them a valuable partner in pursuing drug targets that are beyond conventional methods.
“By merging DoveTree’s biological insights and extensive R&D expertise with XtalPi’s powerful platform, we aim to deliver transformative therapies for patients globally.”
DoveTree Medicines focuses on discovering first-in-class medicines for diseases with significant unmet needs.
XtalPi offers an AI-driven drug discovery platform that integrates quantum physics predictions and robotics.
The platform accelerates drug discovery processes, enhancing accuracy and efficiency through a closed feedback loop.
XtalPi chairman Shuhao Wen said: “Dr Verdine and DoveTree bring exceptional biological acumen, business vision, and a proven track record of translational success, perfectly complementing our platform’s strengths in high-throughput molecule generation, design, and validation.
“This partnership positions us to accelerate breakthroughs against complex diseases while expanding the frontiers of AI-driven drug discovery.
“XtalPi remains committed to advancing our core technologies and working closely with leading innovators to help build diverse pipelines of impactful medicines.”
Earlier this year, XtalPi expanded its strategic collaboration with Pfizer to advance its AI-driven drug discovery and materials science simulations.
The partnership aims to develop a next-generation molecular modelling platform, enhancing the accuracy of physics-based methods with AI models.
