MindRank Successfully Delivers Novel Dual-Target Anti-Tumor Lead Compound to Antengene

Recently, MindRank announced the successful completion of a collaboration milestone with the listed pharmaceutical company ANTENGENE CORPORATION (6996.HK). In a highly challenging dual-target small molecule drug pipeline for a certain type of cancer, MindRank delivered four AI-assisted designed novel scaffold compounds (each belonging to four different types of new scaffolds). After third-party synthesis, ANTENGENE CORPORATION conducted rigorous enzyme-level and cell-level experimental validations on two targets. It was found that one of the compounds met the lead compound criteria and achieved the agreed collaboration milestone. Reportedly, this lead compound features a novel molecular scaffold, with IC50 values for both targets reaching or falling below 50nM at the enzymatic activity level. Moreover, it demonstrated activity similar to that of a clinical candidate drug on a cell line specifically expressing one of the targets.

How to achieve high on-target activity for dual-target small molecules while maintaining good selectivity for other targets has always been one of the challenges in the industry. MindRank utilized its self-developed industrial-grade AI drug design platform, Molecule Pro, for molecular generation. Ultimately, four virtual compounds were selected, synthesized, and validated by collaborators, demonstrating Molecule Pro's ability to reduce costs and enhance efficiency in drug discovery for difficult-to-drug targets.

Related Reading:

1. MindRank AI-Assisted Drug Pipeline Enters IND-Enabling Studies Stage Within 8 Months

About MindRank

MindRank is an AI-driven innovative drug discovery company focused on the development of novel drugs targeting innovative and difficult-to-drug targets. The company began formal operations in early 2021 and has completed an A-round financing of tens of millions of US dollars. The core team comes from leading pharmaceutical companies both within and outside China, as well as top international AI-driven pharmaceutical firms. The research team is led by a Fellow of the Academy and Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge; some team members are former world AI competition champions and gold medalists in the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition. MindRank's AI pharmaceutical solutions were recognized by Deep Pharma Intelligence as "one of the 11 most important AI drug discovery breakthrough achievements globally between 2018-2020." The first self-developed AI-assisted GPCR-targeted drug pipeline entered the IND-Enabling Studies stage within eight months and is expected to enter Phase I clinical trials in 2023. In September 2021, the company successfully delivered an AI-assisted designed allosteric inhibitor PCC molecule to a publicly listed pharmaceutical enterprise.

About ANTENGENE CORPORATION

ANTENGENE CORPORATION (referred to as "Antengene," Hong Kong Stock Exchange stock code: 6996.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company driven by research and development, dedicated to providing the most advanced therapies for patients in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world to treat cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Since its official operation in 2017, Antengene has built a rich product pipeline extending from preclinical to clinical stages through collaboration and independent R&D. Currently, Antengene has 13 products under development, of which 5 have Asia-Pacific rights, including the Greater China market, and 8 have global rights. Antengene has obtained 15 clinical trial applications (IND) in multiple Asia-Pacific markets and submitted 6 new drug applications (NDA), with the NDA in South Korea being prioritized for approval. With the vision of "Medicine knows no borders, innovation endures forever," Antengene focuses on early-stage R&D, clinical research, drug manufacturing, and commercialization of first-in-class and best-in-class therapies to address unmet clinical needs.