TL;DR:
- Mike Nally, former Merck executive, focuses on impactful healthcare beyond big pharma.
- Generate:Biomedicines leverages generative AI platform, Chroma, to expand protein-based drug development.
- Targeting infectious and inflammatory diseases with a unique approach, including COVID-19 and asthma.
- Amgen exercises rights in collaboration, committing to a sixth program with potential investments of up to $370 million.
- The collaboration combines Generate: Biomedicines’ machine learning expertise with Amgen’s experience in various areas.
- Generative AI’s impact on drug development is still emerging.
Main AI News:
In the dynamic landscape of biopharmaceuticals, strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technologies often pave the way for groundbreaking advancements. When Mike Nally relinquished his role as the executive vice president and CMO of Merck’s Human Health division, he had a vision to exert a more significant influence on humanity, beyond the realms of a large pharmaceutical corporation. This vision set a formidable benchmark, considering Nally’s previous oversight of Merck’s vaccine group, responsible for the development of an HPV vaccine with the potential to eradicate cervical cancer globally and innovative products like Keytruda, transforming cancer care across various tumor types.
Enter Generate:Biomedicines is a company that’s now embracing the transformative potential of its generative AI platform, Chroma, designed to expand the druggability of the protein universe. Under Nally’s leadership, Generate:Biomedicines has harnessed its expertise to focus on unique value opportunities within infectious and inflammatory diseases, particularly targeting cryptic epitopes with unparalleled precision.
Their journey began with tackling two formidable foes – the flu and COVID-19, among the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide. In the summer of 2023, Generate:Biomedicines introduced GB-0669, a pan-COVID-19 antibody, into clinical trials. However, Nally envisions GB-0669 as more than just a prophylactic measure against COVID-19. Its true potential, he believes, lies in aiding cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, offering vital immune system support during a vulnerable period.
Nally’s strategic vision extends to inflammatory diseases, with Generate:Biomedicines directing its efforts toward asthma. In December 2023, they administered their anti-TSLP antibody, GB-0895, to the first asthma patient, marking a significant milestone in their pursuit of medical breakthroughs.
To amplify their impact, Generate:Biomedicines seeks partnerships, recognizing that their ambitious goals require collaborative efforts. The recent announcement of Amgen opting-in for a sixth program within their existing collaboration agreement is of significant note. This marks the first expansion of the original partnership, with Amgen committing an undisclosed upfront payment and potential future investments of up to $370 million, including royalties for this new program.
Two years ago, Generate:Biomedicines and Amgen entered into a five-target collaboration, with Amgen providing an initial $50 million upfront payment and equity financing. The agreement also stipulated the potential for Generate:Biomedicines to earn up to $370 million in milestones for each of the five targets. Amgen retained the option to opt into additional targets, and their decision to exercise this right signifies their confidence in the partnership’s value.
Nally emphasized the collaboration’s dynamics, highlighting the mutual exchange of expertise. Generate:Biomedicines brings innovative machine learning approaches to protein design, while Amgen contributes its extensive experience in areas such as engineering, manufacturing, clinical development, and commercialization.
As Nally continues to chart his course toward impactful healthcare innovations, it remains too early to gauge the full extent of generative AI’s potential in drug development, an emerging field that holds immense promise.
Amgen’s strategic move aligns with the appointment of David Reese, MD, as the CTO, focusing on AI and advanced technology initiatives in R&D. This transition also opens the door for Jay Bradner, MD, who will assume the head of R&D position, further fueling the quest for scientific contributions, echoing Nally’s transformative journey post-Novartis in 2022.
Conclusion:
Amgen’s decision to expand its collaboration with Generate:Biomedicines underscores the growing importance of innovative partnerships in the pharmaceutical industry. The focus on leveraging generative AI and targeting infectious and inflammatory diseases indicates a strategic shift toward precision medicine. This trend highlights the significance of technological advancements in shaping the future of drug development and healthcare solutions.
