Schrödinger Collaborates with AstraZeneca
Schrödinger’s computational platform combines physics-based modeling and machine learning to enable chemists to how strongly a potential drug will bind and affect a target protein to optimize its chemical properties and reduce the number of compounds that need to be synthesized before settling on a lead candidate. This increases the likelihood that, when manufactured, compounds will have the correct properties required for further development and reduces the number of compounds that need to be synthesized.
AstraZeneca has begun working with Schrödinger to incorporate its machine learning and molecule-modeling platform within its drug discovery work. This comes soon after the computing company received a preclinical milestone payment through its collaboration with Sanofi.
Schrödinger Collaborates with AstraZeneca- All About The Collaboration
AstraZeneca’s researchers hope to use the programs to identify new therapeutics, while Schrödinger’s staff will work to integrate the platform within the drugmaker’s workflows and share best practices, according to the companies. Financial details were not disclosed.
Garry Pairaudeau, Lead at Global Chemistry R&D, AstraZeneca said their strategic goal is to transform drug design using innovative digital technologies. He added that AstraZeneca looks forward to realizing the potential of predictive physics-based modeling and machine learning t deliver
high-quality compounds.The deal comes as Schrödinger aims to move into the clinic itself with wholly-owned assets focused on at least three oncology targets. This past summer, the company brought on translational science veterans from Merck and Eisai to help move its programs out of the discovery phase, after raising a total of $110 million to support its internal efforts and a dedicated staff.
Previously, New York-based Schrödinger has focused on bringing digital expertise to the biopharma R&D programs of several other companies and affiliate, including Sanofi. Earlier this year, the companies announced the advancement of a separate application in autoimmune disease into clinical trials.
Schrödinger counts more than two dozen potential therapies in a range of disease areas currently being developed through its collaborations, including several clinical-stage assets and two FDA-approved cancer treatments.
