China’s Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has formed a strategic alliance with Germany-based Partex, an artificial intelligence (AI)-empowered drug developer. This partnership aims to explore the potential of AK0707, an autotaxin inhibitor developed in-house by Ark Bio. Partex will utilize its AI-driven platform to uncover potential indications for the drug. Financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed.
AI-Powered Development of AK0707
AK0707 is a highly selective autotaxin inhibitor with promising applications in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The drug is currently under investigation in multiple studies for systemic sclerosis, metabolic associated steatohepatitis (MASH), neuropathic pain, interstitial pneumonia, and cancer. The recent conclusion of a Phase I study in healthy subjects has demonstrated AK0707’s favorable pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety profile.
Enhancing Drug Development with AI
The collaboration between Ark Bio and Partex highlights the growing trend of integrating AI into the drug development process. By leveraging Partex’s AI platform, the partnership aims to accelerate the discovery and development of new treatments for a range of diseases, starting with the potential of AK0707.-Fineline Info & Tech
