The drug molecule, DSP-0038, was created by Exscientia in collaboration with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma

Oxford, UK-based Exscientia uses AI to design and create drug candidate molecules satisfying complex therapeutic requirements with revolutionary efficiency. Joint research by Exscientia with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. (TYO: 4506) resulted in the creation of the molecule DSP-0038, a dual-targeted 5-HT1A agonist and 5-HT2A antagonist to be assessed for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease psychosis. Sumitomo will now initiate a Phase 1 clinical study of DSP-0038 in the United States. (BusinessWire)

Third molecule created by Exscientia

Earlier, Exscientia’s AI technology created the DSP-1181, announced in 2020 together with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Exscientia’s immuno-oncology agent, EXS-21546, announced earlier this year.

DSP-0038, for Alzheimer’s Disease, is the third molecule from the company and will be assessed for improved antipsychotic effects associated with Alzheimer’s disease psychosis, as well as improvements in behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia which include agitation, aggression, anxiety, and depression.

Andrew Hopkins, CEO of Exscientia, said: “This is further validation that our AI platform can turn complex biological challenges into high-quality clinical candidates quickly. To have what we believe to be the world’s first three clinical molecules created using AI arising from our own platform – two with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma – is a wonderful achievement. We hope that through the creation of DSP-0038 improved treatments for Alzheimer’s disease psychosis will be realized.”

Funding of up to $525 million

Exscientia announced last month that it had completed a $225 million Series D funding round with access up to an additional $300 million at the company’s discretion.

SoftBank Vision Fund 2 led the Series D and was joined by previous round lead investors, Novo Holdings, and funds managed by Blackrock.

Other investors included Mubadala Investment Company, Farallon Capital, Casdin Capital, GT Healthcare Capital, Marshall Wace, Pivotal bioVenture Partners, Laurion Capital, Hongkou, and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

In addition, SoftBank provided an additional $300 million equity commitment that can be drawn at the Company’s discretion.

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