Key points from article :
Bristol Myers Squibb has partnered with biotech company insitro to develop new treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The deal, valued at $50 million upfront, could surpass $2 billion if all milestones are met.
Insitro will use its cutting-edge platform, which integrates machine learning, human genetics, and functional genomics, to create lab-based models of ALS and FTD using induced pluripotent stem cells. These models will help researchers understand disease progression and identify potential patient subgroups. After generating insights, insitro will leverage its AI-driven drug discovery process to develop promising treatment candidates. Bristol Myers will then have the option to select and advance these candidates through clinical trials and commercialization.
This partnership is part of Bristol Myers' broader investment in machine learning-driven drug discovery, following collaborations with Concerto HealthAI and Sensyne Health. Insitro, meanwhile, continues to gain industry recognition, having previously secured deals with Gilead and raised significant venture capital funding. Richard Hargreaves, head of neuroscience research at Bristol Myers, emphasized the importance of innovative data-driven approaches in developing much-needed therapies for ALS and FTD.
