Veraxa Biotech AG has partnered with Ardigen S.A. to leverage AI in enhancing its BiTAC pipeline, which focuses on bispecific T cell engagers and antibody-drug conjugates. This collaboration aims to develop computational tools for selecting synergistic cancer target combinations that fit Veraxa’s innovative therapeutic architecture.
The BiTAC platform features a unique mechanism where a T cell engager or ADC is divided into two inactive precursor molecules. These reconstitute a functional agent only when co-internalized in cells that express two specific tumor-associated antigens. This design aims to maximize therapeutic effects on cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal tissues, addressing the limitations faced by traditional single-antigen therapies.
Ardigen's role is to tackle the complex task of identifying and prioritizing dual antigen pairs that are densely co-expressed on tumor cells but minimally present in healthy tissues. Their extensive experience in over 700 drug discovery projects positions them to effectively utilize multimodal biomedical data for this purpose. As the potential combinations of antigens grow exponentially, computational methods for prioritization have become essential in the early stages of drug discovery.
This partnership is part of Veraxa's broader operational strategy following its recent Nasdaq debut. The company is actively advancing its lead BiTAC-TCE candidate towards regulatory readiness by early 2028, while also exploring external partnerships for its promising programs. The collaboration with Ardigen highlights a growing trend in the industry, where AI-assisted target selection is becoming a vital strategy for developing bispecific antibodies, as seen with similar initiatives from other companies like Biomunex Pharmaceuticals.