HK inno.N

HK inno.N teams up with Atomatrix for AI-based development of next-generation obesity therapies

- The collaboration will utilize CANDDIE, an AI-based drug design platform by Atomatrix 

- Targeting the development of non-incretin-based obesity therapies...Set to ramp up the discovery of drug candidates

Photo. Left: HK inno.N BI _ Right: Atomatrix CI

HK inno.N announced on April 27 it has signed a joint research and development agreement with Atomatrix for development of next-generation obesity treatments.

Through this agreement, the two companies will tap into artificial intelligence (AI) and simulation-based platforms to develop small-molecule candidates with novel mechanisms of action for obesity therapies, aiming to transcend the limitations of existing incretin-based treatments (e.g. GLP-1 receptor agonists, etc.)

Leveraging its proven track records of in-house drug development capabilities, HK inno.N will spearhead compound synthesis and biological evaluation, testing and verifying the efficacy and safety of candidates. Atomatrix will utilize its proprietary drug design platform, CANDDIE, to lead the design and screening of candidates.

CANDDIE is a molecular dynamics (MD)-based drug design platform that combines AI with computer simulation. The platform enables complex analyses with precision, ranging from the investigation of binding stability between target proteins and candidate compounds to the subsequent pharmacological responses. By preemptively managing risks from the initial research phases, the innovative platform is poised to streamline development, significantly cutting both time and expenditure.

Byung-chul Park, the director of the Novel Drug Research Center at HK inno.N, shared his insights on the partnership, “We are actively seeking to discover and develop non-incretin-based drug candidates that can overcome the limitations of existing obesity therapies, such as gastrointestinal side effects and muscle loss,” and further added, “By maximizing the synergy between both companies' core competencies, we aim to accelerate the process of identifying promising candidates and advancing them promptly into subsequent development stages.”

Eun-ho Lee, CEO of Atomatrix, explained his views on the collaboration, “The more biologically complex the target, the more critical it becomes to employ a precise and rigorous approach integrating data-driven interpretation and physics-based modeling and simulation,” adding, “We look forward to propelling the development of breakthrough therapies through our partnership with HK inno.N and proving the real-world performance of our drug design platform in identifying novel candidates.”(END)

(Reference Information)

▶ Atomatrix

: Atomatrix is a drug discovery startup powered by CANDDIE, its proprietary AI and molecular dynamics (MD)-based platform. Utilizing its core competencies in high-precision molecular modeling for difficult-to-drug targets, the company provides crucial support for pharmaceutical and biotech firms in early-stage candidate discovery and lead optimization.

▶ Molecular Dynamics (MD)

: Molecular Dynamics (MD) is a computational simulation technique used to track and analyze the movement of atoms and molecules over time, enabling the high-precision analysis of target proteins and compounds.

▶ Incretin

: Incretins are hormones secreted by the small intestine that play a critical role in glycemic control. One of the most well-known incretins is Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1), which lowers blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon release from the pancreas. Simultaneously, the hormone acts on the central nervous system to suppress appetite and enhance satiety. Due to these properties, GLP-1 receptor agonists have been widely used as a leading class of incretin-based anti-obesity medications. However, reports of gastrointestinal side effects and loss of lean muscle mass in some patients have highlighted the growing need for the development of non-incretin-based anti-obesity therapies.