Bayer and Iambic Partner to Advance AI-Driven Drug Discovery
Bayer and Iambic Therapeutics have announced a research collaboration under which Bayer will explore new drugs using Iambic's AI-based platform. The collaboration focuses on the discovery of small molecules.
The collaboration leverages Iambic’s AI-powered platform for drug discovery, including the leading AI technologies Enchant and NeuralPLexer, to identify novel targets and differentiated molecules that can access target structures that are otherwise difficult to address, thereby strengthening Bayer’s early-stage portfolio.
“This collaboration exemplifies our shared commitment to using AI as a strategic driver of innovation in drug discovery and our focus on partnerships that translate cutting-edge technology into added value for patients,” said Juergen Eckhardt, Head of Business Development & Licensing at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. “Through our collaboration with Iambic, we are combining complementary capabilities to accelerate scientific insights and improve decision-making across the entire R&D value chain.”
Traditional drug discovery takes 10 to 15 years and costs approximately $2.6 billion, yet over 90% of candidates fail in clinical trials. Through AI-driven molecular optimization, the collaboration aims to identify differentiated lead molecules, shorten optimization timelines, and strengthen Bayer’s pipeline for the coming decade.
“Iambic demonstrates that better technology leads to better medicines—both on our own and in collaboration with visionary partners like Bayer,” said Tom Miller, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Iambic. “Through this collaboration, Bayer gains access to leading-edge technology, including Iambic’s groundbreaking AI models Enchant and NeuralPLexer, and together we are expanding the range of potentially life-saving medicines.”
