BioDuro, a global contract research, development and manufacturing organization (CRDMO), and Atombeat Inc., an AI-focused drug discovery company, have entered into a strategic collaboration to develop an artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to accelerate peptide drug discovery. The partnership combines complementary expertise to create an integrated workflow spanning from molecular design to preclinical candidate development.
AI-Driven Molecular Design Platform
The collaboration leverages Atombeat's proprietary software suite, including Hermite and RiDYMO platforms, which utilize advanced technologies such as Reinforced Dynamics, Uni-Dock, Uni-FEP, and Uni-QSAR. These AI-accelerated tools enable in silico exploration of a digital library containing over one trillion potential peptide compounds, constructed from a collection of more than 1,000 natural and non-natural amino acids.
The platform's AI modeling capabilities allow for rapid filtering and prioritization of compounds based on critical developability traits, particularly membrane permeability, before any laboratory testing begins. This computational approach aims to identify the most promising candidates early in the discovery process, potentially reducing both time and costs associated with traditional screening methods.
High-Throughput Synthesis Integration
Once the AI-driven design phase identifies promising candidates, BioDuro's high-throughput synthesis technology enables parallel production of hundreds of peptide compounds. The company's synthesis capabilities can deliver high-purity peptides ready for biological testing within one week, notably bypassing traditional purification steps that typically extend development timelines.
This rapid synthesis capability is integrated with BioDuro's in-house biology assays, enabling quick validation of computationally identified candidates. The seamless integration of computational design with experimental validation creates an end-to-end workflow targeting the development of high-quality cyclic peptides across diverse therapeutic areas.
Industry Impact and Leadership Perspectives
"We are excited to advance peptide innovation through our strategic partnership with Atombeat," said Dr. Armin Spura, CEO of BioDuro. "Together, we aim to provide the industry with leading services in peptide drug development, accelerating smarter and more efficient peptide research, and delivering faster and comprehensive solutions to our global clients."
Dr. Dongdong Wang, co-founder of Atombeat, emphasized the collaborative approach: "By integrating AI with experimental processes, we are committed to building an intelligent, integrated platform for peptide drug discovery and evaluation. Our shared commitment is to drive innovation in pharmaceutical development and help meet unmet clinical needs worldwide."
Platform Capabilities and Scope
The collaboration combines BioDuro's established expertise in discovery chemistry, biology, and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) with Atombeat's AI modeling technologies. This integration aims to accelerate the development of next-generation peptides by providing faster timelines and improved cost-effectiveness compared to traditional peptide discovery approaches.
The platform's scope encompasses broad therapeutic applications, with the potential to address various unmet clinical needs through the development of novel peptide therapeutics. The partnership represents a strategic alignment of computational and experimental capabilities designed to enhance the efficiency of peptide drug discovery processes.
