Key points from article :
Iambic Therapeutics, a biotech company using artificial intelligence (AI) for drug discovery, has launched its first clinical trial with IAM1363, a new treatment for HER2-driven cancers. This AI-designed drug moved from discovery to human trials in under two years—far faster than the usual six-year timeline. IAM1363 is a small molecule inhibitor designed to target HER2-driven tumors, including those that spread to the brain, with greater precision and fewer side effects than existing treatments.
The drug is now being tested in a Phase I/Ib clinical trial to assess its safety and effectiveness, both alone and in combination with trastuzumab (marketed as Herceptin®). Preclinical studies showed IAM1363 had strong selectivity for HER2, avoiding unwanted effects on a related receptor, EGFR. Its unique design may help overcome drug resistance and offer better outcomes for patients.
Iambic developed IAM1363 using its AI platform, NeuralPLexer, which applies machine learning to predict how drugs interact with proteins. The company, backed by major investors like Nvidia, recently rebranded from Entos to emphasize its AI-driven approach. With further clinical progress, Iambic’s work could reshape cancer treatment by making drug development faster and more precise.
