The collaboration will leverage its AtomNet® platform for computational discovery and research.

AI-powered drug discovery startup Atomwise has entered a strategic and exclusive research collaboration with Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY) for computational discovery and research. AtomWise’s AtomNet platform incorporates deep learning for structure-based drug design, enabling the rapid, AI-powered search of Atomwise’s proprietary library of more than 3 trillion synthesizable compounds. (Businesswire)

The agreement calls for Sanofi to pay an advance amount of $20 million for an exclusive program to identify, synthesize, and advance lead compounds for up to five targets. Subsequent payments pegged to key research, development, and sales milestones could total more than $1 billion. In addition, tiered royalties have been established for products developed through the collaboration.

“We are excited to partner with Atomwise, given their leadership in the field of virtual screening and AI-based molecular design,” said Frank Nestle, Global Head of Research and Chief Scientific Officer at Sanofi. “Together, we aim at making the drug discovery process more efficient and effective in particular when very limited information is available to support drug design.”

Sanofi in January advanced an amount of $100 million with a commitment of $5.2 billion to AI drug discovery startup Exscientia for the development of 15 small molecules across oncology and immunology. This expansion built upon five years of collaboration between the two organizations.

In November 2021, Sanofi and AI developer Owkin entered a two-part deal including a $180 million equity investment in the company alongside a $90 million discovery and development partnership spanning three years, plus the chance for additional milestone-based payments based on the pair’s success.

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