Absci (ABSI) R&D Day 2024 summary

AI Platform and Technology Advancements

• Demonstrated de novo AI-driven antibody design for previously undruggable targets, including the HIV Caldera region and challenging oncology and immunology targets, with successful case studies and collaborations such as Caltech.

• Integrated Lab-in-the-Loop system and high-throughput data generation enable rapid iteration between AI model design and wet lab validation, accelerating discovery cycles to as short as six weeks.

• Proprietary data, strategic compute partnerships with Oracle and NVIDIA, and platforms like AbsciGen and AbsciBind support scalable AI-driven drug discovery and model training.

• AI lead optimization platform enables multiparametric engineering, including pH sensitivity, selectivity, and developability, producing smart biologics with differentiated pharmacology.

• Platform success validated through partnerships with AstraZeneca, Almirall, Caltech, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Twist Bioscience, and by generating binders for targets where traditional methods failed.

Pipeline Progress and Clinical Updates

• ABS-101 (TL1A antibody) demonstrates high potency, low immunogenicity, extended half-life, and subcutaneous dosing; Phase 1 trial to start in 1H 2025 with interim data expected in 2H 2025.

• ABS-201 (PRLR antibody) targets androgenic alopecia, showing high affinity, favorable safety, and improved hair regrowth over minoxidil; IND-enabling activities initiated, with Phase 1 trial expected in 1H 2026.

• ABS-301, a first-in-class immuno-oncology asset, leverages Reverse Immunology to target a novel immunosuppressive cytokine in squamous cell tumors; candidate selection expected in 1H 2025 with in vivo validation planned for 2025.

• ABS-501, an AI-designed HER2 antibody, demonstrated efficacy in trastuzumab-resistant models; candidate selection planned for 2025 and further development and combination strategies are being explored.

• Internal pipeline includes four named programs and three new early discovery programs, all positioned for out-licensing or partnering at key value inflection points.

Market Opportunity and Strategic Partnerships

• ABS-201 addresses a $7–14B U.S. market for androgenic alopecia, with strong consumer demand and limited competition; ABS-101 and ABS-301 target multi-billion dollar opportunities in IBD and oncology.

• Partnerships with leading pharma and biotech companies (e.g., Merck, AstraZeneca, Almirall, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Twist Bioscience) provide significant non-dilutive funding and validation, with total deal value from select partners approximating $1.5 billion.

• 23 partnered and co-development programs complement four wholly owned internal programs, with deal structures including upfront, milestone, and royalty payments.

• Co-development and drug creation partnerships offer flexible, shared-risk models, expanding the pipeline and optionality for monetization.

• Monetization strategy includes out-licensing and co-development at value inflection points.