Aitia, a leader in computational biology for pharmaceutical discovery, has announced a strategic collaboration with Gustave Roussy, Europe's premier cancer research institute, to develop advanced digital models that could revolutionize cancer treatment discovery. The partnership will transform Gustave Roussy's extensive cancer patient database into "Gemini Digital Twins" - sophisticated computer-based models designed to uncover the fundamental biological causes of cancer.
Addressing Critical Unmet Medical Needs
Cancer, encompassing over 200 distinct diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, remains the second leading cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular disease. While overall cancer death rates have decreased in recent years, concerning trends have emerged, including rising cancer rates in young adults and incidence rates returning to pre-COVID pandemic levels. Many cancers, particularly brain, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers, continue to have limited effective treatment options.
"If we identify the specific cancer-causing changes buried in the massively complex biology that leads to diseases like cancer, we can also identify a clear path to the 'next generation' of effective therapeutic interventions," said Colin Hill, CEO and co-founder of Aitia. The collaboration seeks to address the devastating reality of ongoing high unmet medical need across many cancer types.
Advanced AI Technology Platform
The partnership leverages Aitia's powerful causal AI engine, REFS, which uses high-performance computational power to analyze massive amounts of multiomic and patient outcome data. This technology creates fully realized, unbiased causal in silico models of human disease that can discover rational new drug targets, identify candidate patient subpopulations for clinical trials, and determine optimal drug combinations.
Gustave Roussy will provide its extensive database of de-identified human multiomic and patient outcome data to inform the development of these digital twins. "Aitia's ability to accurately model complex biological systems from de-identified human multiomic and patient outcome data should give us a significant advantage in the battle against these devastating diseases and bring renewed hope to cancer patients and their families worldwide," said Prof. Fabrice Barlesi, CEO of Gustave Roussy.
Proven Track Record and Global Reach
Aitia's platform has already demonstrated success in uncovering deep biological insights that accelerate pharmaceutical R&D. The company has made direct discoveries in Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer, with many others in development. The company maintains global partnerships with multiple pharmaceutical companies, leading academic research centers, medical societies, premier multiomic data companies, and patient advocacy groups.
Leading Cancer Research Institution
Gustave Roussy, ranked as the leading French and European Cancer Centre and fourth globally, brings comprehensive expertise devoted entirely to cancer patients. The institute treats almost 50,000 patients per year and integrates research, patient care, and teaching. Notably, 40% of patients treated at Gustave Roussy are included in clinical studies, creating an environment where innovative research and patient therapy converge.
The institute specializes in treating rare cancers and complex tumors across all cancer types and patient ages. Its personalized care approach combines advanced medical methods with attention to patients' physical, psychological, and social needs. With 4,100 professionals working across its Villejuif and Chevilly-Larue campuses, Gustave Roussy serves as a founding member of the Paris Saclay Cancer Cluster.
Future Implications
The collaboration represents a significant step toward understanding the complex molecular biological systems underlying cancer. By revealing hidden underlying causes of these complex diseases, the partnership aims to drive the discovery and clinical development of effective new therapies that could transform treatment outcomes for cancer patients worldwide.
