Variational AI's Enki™ platform, a foundation model for small-molecule drug discovery, is central to this collaboration, enhancing Rakovina's AI-driven approach to developing next-generation cancer therapies. The partnership exemplifies the transformative potential of AI in drug discovery, with plans to expand AI-driven discovery efforts and advance promising candidates toward preclinical development. Rakovina aims to harness AI to bring more effective cancer treatments to patients, marking a pivotal step in the fight against cancer.
Key takeaways:
- Rakovina Therapeutics and Variational AI have strengthened their partnership to accelerate AI-powered cancer drug development.
- Variational AI raised $5.5 million in an oversubscribed financing round led by Nimbus Synergies, with participation from Merck Global Health Innovation Fund and others.
- The partnership focuses on using AI to discover novel kinase inhibitors targeting DNA-damage response pathways, with preclinical results expected in Q2 2025.
- Variational AI's Enki™ platform is central to this collaboration, enhancing small-molecule drug discovery through AI-driven generative models.