Bayer partners with Iambic Therapeutics to accelerate drug discovery using AI technology

Bayer partners with Iambic to use AI for drug discovery By Investing.com

BERLIN & SAN DIEGO - Bayer and Iambic Therapeutics Inc. announced a drug discovery collaboration on Sunday focused on developing small molecule medicines using artificial intelligence technology, according to a press release statement. The partnership will utilize Iambic's AI-driven platform, including its Enchant and NeuralPLexer technologies, to identify molecules targeting difficult-to-drug areas for Bayer's research pipeline. Iambic will receive an upfront payment along with milestone and royalty payments under the agreement terms. "This collaboration exemplifies our shared ambition to harness AI as a strategic driver of innovation in drug discovery and our focus on building high-impact collaborations that translate cutting-edge technology into patient value," said Juergen Eckhardt, Head of Business Development and Licensing at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. The companies stated that traditional drug discovery takes 10-15 years and costs approximately $2.6 billion, with more than 90 percent of candidates failing in clinical trials. The collaboration aims to use AI-based molecular optimization to identify molecules and accelerate development timelines. "Through this collaboration, Bayer secures access to industry-leading technology, including Iambic's frontier AI models Enchant and NeuralPLexer, and together we expand the universe of potential life-saving medicines," said Tom Miller, Co-Founder and CEO of Iambic. Iambic is a clinical-stage life science and technology company that develops medicines using its AI-driven platform. Bayer reported fiscal 2025 sales of 45.6 billion euros and R&D expenses of 5.8 billion euros, employing around 88,000 people. Financial terms beyond the upfront, milestone, and royalty payment structure were not disclosed. In other recent news, Bayer has completed its acquisition of Perfuse Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in ischemia-induced ocular diseases, for an upfront payment of $300 million. This transaction could potentially reach a total value of $2.45 billion with additional success-based milestone payments, and Perfuse Therapeutics will be fully integrated into Bayer. Additionally, Bayer announced that its drug Kerendia has shown promising results in a Phase III trial for adults with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease, significantly reducing the rate of kidney disease progression compared to a placebo. In leadership updates, Bayer has appointed Kacy Perry as the new Country Division Head for its Crop Science Canada division, effective July 1. Perry will oversee over 550 employees and join Bayer's North American Leadership Team for Crop Science. Furthermore, Bayer has restructured its Consumer Health division, naming Samantha Avivi as the global Chief Marketing Officer, who will lead global brand building and marketing strategies. Bayer is also pursuing a dual legal strategy to oppose settlement transfers, having filed motions to remand a case back to the Circuit Court of the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit in St. Louis, Missouri. These diverse developments highlight Bayer's ongoing strategic initiatives in acquisitions, drug development, leadership restructuring, and legal proceedings. This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Bayer Ag and Iambic Therapeutics Inc. Collaborate to Advance Drug Discovery with Ai

Bayer AG and Iambic Therapeutics Inc. announced a drug discovery collaboration in which Bayer AG will discover new medicines using Iambic Therapeutics Inc.'s AI-driven platform. The collaboration is focused on small molecule discovery. The collaboration will leverage Iambic Therapeutics Inc.'s AI-driven drug discovery platform, including its flagship AI technologies, Enchant and NeuralPLexer, to identify novel drug entry points and differentiated molecules to address otherwise hard-to-drug targets that will enhance Bayer AG's early portfolio. By using AI-based molecular optimization, the collaboration aims to identify differentiated hit molecules, accelerate optimization timelines, and strengthen Bayer AG's pipeline ahead of the next decade. Under terms of the agreement, Iambic Therapeutics Inc. will receive an upfront payment as well as milestone and royalty payments.