Nxera uses Antiverse's genAI to design GPCR antibodies

Nxera Pharma has recently entered into a multi-target licensing agreement with the technology-based biotech company, Antiverse. This collaboration aims to leverage Antiverse's generative AI (genAI) technology to design antibodies targeting G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs are a large family of cell surface receptors that play key roles in various physiological processes and are significant in many disease areas. Despite their importance, around 220 GPCRs with known links to diseases remain undrugged, highlighting the necessity for innovative approaches to target these receptors.

The partnership between Nxera Pharma and Antiverse will integrate Antiverse's AI-driven antibody design capabilities, which include specialized epitope-specific libraries, with Nxera’s NxWave platform. The NxWave platform is designed for the selection, validation, and structural analysis of GPCR targets. This collaboration aims to create new antibodies that can effectively address these challenging targets. Although the specific terms of the deal remain confidential, it has been disclosed that Antiverse will receive an upfront payment, in addition to research funding and potential milestone payments. Nxera will obtain exclusive global rights for the development and commercialization of the resulting antibody assets.

Murat Tunaboylu, CEO of Antiverse, emphasized the potential of this collaboration, stating that the combination of Nxera’s expertise and Antiverse’s advanced platform can generate antibodies for GPCR targets that have so far been difficult to address. This partnership is expected to open new avenues in the treatment of various diseases by developing innovative antibody-based therapies.

Nxera Pharma, previously known as Sosei Heptares, boasts a robust pipeline with over 30 active programs. These programs cover a range of stages from discovery to late clinical development and involve both internal projects and collaborations with several major pharmaceutical companies, including AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Neurocrine Biosciences. The company’s extensive experience and established partnerships make it well-positioned to advance the development of novel therapies through this new agreement with Antiverse.

On the other hand, Antiverse, based in the UK, has been rapidly growing since its founding in 2017. The company has successfully raised a total of £7.2 million ($10.1 million) and has established partnerships with at least three leading global pharmaceutical companies. Antiverse specializes in utilizing AI technology to accelerate the discovery and development of antibodies, aiming to address previously challenging targets in drug development.

This strategic partnership represents a significant step forward in the field of antibody drug development, particularly for GPCR targets. By combining the strengths of Nxera's GPCR expertise and Antiverse's AI-driven antibody design technology, the collaboration aims to overcome existing challenges and unlock new possibilities in the treatment of various diseases. The successful development of new antibodies targeting these undrugged GPCRs could potentially lead to groundbreaking therapies, offering hope to patients with diseases that currently lack effective treatment options.