UCB Collaborates with Ailux Biologics on Cutting-Edge AI-Driven Biologics Platform
In a groundbreaking partnership, UCB, a prominent biopharmaceutical leader, has teamed up with XtalPi’s Ailux Biologics to leverage their proprietary AI platform, XtalFold™. This collaboration is set to transform the biologics discovery process by integrating advanced computation into drug development. The agreement grants UCB a non-exclusive license to utilize XtalFold™, a state-of-the-art AI-powered software suite, to enhance the discovery and engineering of biologics.
Revolutionizing Antibody Discovery with XtalFold™
XtalFold™ brings precision and efficiency to the biologics innovation process by providing rapid and accurate structural insights. This platform simplifies the modeling of biomolecular interactions using only sequence information, accelerating the development of therapeutic solutions such as monoclonal antibodies. According to rigorous benchmark studies, XtalFold™ has achieved industry-leading success rates, particularly in challenging regions like the antibody-antigen interface.
Jian Ma, CEO of XtalPi, commented, “UCB has consistently been at the forefront of computational innovation in biologics development. We are thrilled to contribute to their mission of creating transformative therapies that improve lives.” Yi (Alex) Li, VP of XtalPi and Head of Ailux Biologics, added, “XtalFold™ is a commercially validated platform that exemplifies the power of AI-driven biologics research. This partnership with UCB will further push the boundaries of what is possible in antibody discovery.”
Expanding the Horizons of Biologics Development
UCB’s legacy in antibody discovery and optimization is further strengthened by this collaboration. Daniel Lightwood, Head of Antibody Discovery and Optimization at UCB, highlighted the company’s advanced capabilities, including single-B cell screening and in vitro display discovery technologies. He stated, “The integration of XtalFold™ into our workflow enhances our ability to incorporate antibody-antigen structural insights throughout the development pipeline, enabling us to deliver high-quality therapeutic candidates more effectively.”
UCB’s Global CADD Head, Alexander Hillisch, emphasized the tool’s value, saying, “After extensive testing, we are confident that XtalFold™ will elevate our computational approaches to identify and optimize groundbreaking treatments for patients worldwide.”
Transforming the Future of Biologics
The licensing agreement reflects a shared vision of harnessing advanced computational tools to unlock new possibilities in biologics development. XtalFold™ has already demonstrated its versatility across various applications, including antigen design, epitope identification, pH-sensitivity engineering, and bispecifics design. By integrating this innovative platform, UCB aims to continue its leadership in biologics research and accelerate the delivery of life-changing treatments.
For a broader perspective on how data-driven innovations are shaping the AI landscape, read The Rise of Data Lakehouses in the AI Era: Insights from Dremio.
