Pierre Fabre Laboratories and Iktos, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics company for drug discovery, have announced an integrated drug discovery collaboration aimed at identifying and developing novel small-molecule drug candidates in oncology. The partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to advancing cancer research by combining complementary expertise across computational design, medicinal chemistry, biology, medical science and preclinical development.

Under the agreement, Iktos will deploy its AI-driven generative design platform to accelerate the discovery of optimised small-molecule candidates against an undisclosed oncology target. Pierre Fabre Laboratories will contribute its capabilities in oncology research and preclinical development, supporting the selection, evaluation and advancement of promising candidate molecules.

While the financial terms of the collaboration were not disclosed, the agreement includes an upfront payment along with multiple milestone-based payments.

“This collaboration with Iktos marks an important milestone in our ambition to build an AI-powered R&D engine at Pierre Fabre Laboratories,” said Audrey Kauffmann, Head of Data Science and Biometry at Pierre Fabre Medical Care R&D. “By integrating Iktos’ generative AI and automated chemistry technologies into our research platforms, we are advancing our data and AI strategy to improve the quality and probability of success in drug discovery, while accelerating meaningful progress for oncology patients.”

Olivier Geneste, Head of Drug Discovery at Pierre Fabre Medical Care R&D, added that Iktos’ expertise in generative AI and automated chemistry is expected to help accelerate and de-risk the discovery of innovative therapies targeting high-value oncology indications. 

He said “This collaboration supports our objective to address significant unmet needs for cancer patients.” 

Yann Gaston-Mathé, Co-founder and CEO of Iktos, highlighted the strategic fit between the two organizations. He stated, “Pierre Fabre Laboratories has a distinguished track record in oncology. By combining our generative AI and automated chemistry technologies with Pierre Fabre’s deep scientific and clinical development expertise, we aim to rapidly and efficiently advance innovative small-molecule oncology candidates with the potential to deliver meaningful benefits to patients worldwide.” 

Pierre Fabre Laboratories is also advancing preclinical oncology candidates through collaborations with partners such as Vernalis and RedRidge Bio, complementing its established precision oncology portfolio targeting BRAF, MEK, HER2 and EBV-driven post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.