Dermo-cosmetic innovator Pierre Fabre Laboratories and Iktos, a global leader in AI and robotics for drug discovery, have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at developing novel small-molecule therapies in oncology. 

 

The partnership combines Pierre Fabre’s deep expertise in cancer research with Iktos’ AI-powered generative design platform.

 

Under the agreement, Iktos will deploy its AI-driven tools to accelerate the identification of optimized small-molecule candidates against a currently undisclosed oncology target. Pierre Fabre will guide the selection, evaluation, and progression of these candidates using its extensive knowledge in oncology research and preclinical development. Financial terms include an upfront payment and multiple milestone payments, though specifics were not disclosed.

 

Audrey Kauffmann, Head of Data Science and Biometry at Pierre Fabre Medical Care R&D, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “This collaboration with Iktos marks an important milestone in our journey to build an AI-powered R&D engine at Pierre Fabre Laboratories. By integrating Iktos' generative AI and automated chemistry technologies into our research platforms, we are taking a step toward realizing our data and AI strategy. 

 

"This cooperation exemplifies our ambition to leverage cutting-edge innovation to improve the quality and probability of success in drug discovery, while accelerating the delivery of meaningful advances for patients in oncology.”

 

Olivier Geneste, Head of Drug Discovery at Pierre Fabre Medical Care R&D, added: “We are delighted to start a drug discovery collaboration with Iktos. Thanks to its well-established expertise in generative AI coupled to automated chemistry, we strongly believe that Iktos will help us in accelerating and derisking the discovery of innovative therapeutics targeting a highly valuable oncology target to serve unmet cancer patients' needs.”

 

Yann Gaston-Mathé, Co-founder and CEO of Iktos, highlighted the synergy between the two companies: “We are delighted to initiate this collaboration with Pierre Fabre Laboratories, a company with a distinguished track record in oncology. This collaboration exemplifies the powerful complementarity between Iktos' generative AI and automated chemistry technologies and Pierre Fabre's deep scientific and clinical development expertise. 

 

"Together, we intend to create the optimal framework to rapidly and efficiently progress innovative small-molecule candidates in oncology, with the aim of bringing meaningful therapeutic advances to patients worldwide.”