AI-powered biotech company Healx has announced a strategic transaction with US-based Vuja De Sciences to accelerate the development of innovative cancer treatments targeting metastatic recurrence. The partnership combines Healx's proprietary AI platform for rare disease drug discovery with Vuja De Sciences' clinical-stage program focused on preventing cancer recurrence in osteosarcoma.
The collaboration centers on advancing HLX-4310, a promising therapy designed to prevent recurrence of metastatic osteosarcoma. The FDA has cleared the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for HLX-4310, enabling progression into clinical trials. The program is moving forward with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation's flagship research program, the Sunshine Project, for an upcoming Phase 1/2 clinical trial.
Addressing Critical Unmet Medical Need
Metastatic osteosarcoma represents a devastating cancer that predominantly affects young patients, with a five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Dr. David Warshawsky, Founder & CEO of Vuja De Sciences, emphasized the urgent need for innovative approaches: "Metastatic osteosarcoma is a devastating cancer affecting mostly young patients, with a five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Our innovative therapeutic strategy aims to prevent recurrence and transform outcomes."
The partnership aligns with both companies' focus on rare and pediatric oncology, addressing underserved patient communities with limited treatment options. Healx's AI platform has been actively applied in rare and pediatric oncology, uncovering and prioritizing therapeutic opportunities across rare diseases.
Strategic Platform Integration
Healx's proprietary AI platform is designed to generate and advance the company's own discovery programs, making it a natural fit with Vuja De Sciences' deep expertise in metastatic recurrence. The transaction brings together complementary capabilities that strengthen Healx's AI-driven approach to drug discovery.
"At Healx, we believe our AI platform can help solve humanity's toughest health challenges – cancer recurrence," said Dr. Tim Guilliams, CEO and Co-founder of Healx. "By joining forces with Vuja De Sciences, we are combining our AI driven discovery capabilities with their science innovation to accelerate novel breakthrough cancer treatments – starting with a promising therapy entering clinical trials this year."
Expanding Oncology Portfolio
The strategic transaction reinforces Healx's established rare and pediatric oncology focus, complementing the company's existing neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) program. With the addition of the osteosarcoma program, Healx now advances two clinical-stage assets in rare and pediatric oncology.
Dr. Jonathan Milner, Healx Chairman, highlighted the significance of the partnership: "This is a pivotal moment for Healx. By bringing together world-class science and cutting-edge AI, we are creating new opportunities to reshape the future of rare and pediatric cancers. I'm inspired by the path ahead and the impact we can make for patients."
As part of the transaction, Dr. David Warshawsky will continue to lead the osteosarcoma program and will join the Healx executive team as Global Head of Metastatic Prevention. The partnership underscores Healx's mission-driven use of AI for good, applying cutting-edge technology to accelerate treatment discovery and bring meaningful options to rare disease patients.
The collaboration represents a significant step forward in addressing cancer recurrence, particularly in pediatric populations where treatment options remain severely limited. By pairing Vuja De Sciences' innovative therapeutic strategy with Healx's AI platform, the partnership aims to broaden reach and accelerate the mission to change the trajectory of rare cancers.
