BenevolentAI (OTC:BAIVF) said that AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:AZN) has identified a target for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using the former's artificial intelligence-driven drug discovery platform - the second asset selected as part of a collaboration between the companies.
Benevolent's tie-up with AZ began in 2019, focusing on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic kidney disease.
It was expanded in January 2022 to include heart failure and SLE. The recent success in identifying a new target follows last month's selection of an opportunity in heart failure by the Anglo-Swedish drugs giant.
“The continued, fruitful efforts of our two companies working in collaboration will help bring potential new therapeutic options to lupus patients, whose quality of life is often severely limited by the disease,” said Benevolent's chief scientific officer, Dr Anne Phelan.
The partnership between BenevolentAI (OTC:BAIVF) and AstraZeneca combines AstraZeneca's scientific and disease-specific expertise with BenevolentAI (OTC:BAIVF)'s platform and biomedical knowledge.
The 2022 extension of their collaboration included an upfront payment, research funding, and potential development and commercial milestones, along with tiered royalties on the sales of any commercialized products.
Systemic lupus erythematosus, also known as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and damage, especially to organs and joints.
It can also cause extreme fatigue, and cognitive issues, and is often accompanied by cardiovascular disease. Lupus affects females and people of Asian, Black African, and Caribbean heritage more frequently.