Exscientia takes full ownership of cdk7 inhibitor in oncology breakthrough

Exscientia plc (Nasdaq: EXAI), a pioneer in AI-driven drug discovery, has reached a strategic milestone by acquiring full ownership of the oral CDK7 inhibitor program from GT Apeiron, taking control of the promising compound GTAEXS617 (‘617) along with all associated intellectual property.

Under the terms of the agreement, Exscientia will pay GT Apeiron $10 million upfront in cash, an additional $10 million in equity, and will cover all ongoing development costs. Moreover, Exscientia agreed to pay single-digit royalties on future sales if ‘617 is commercialized, either by Exscientia or a third party. Despite these expenses, Exscientia’s cash runway is projected to extend well into 2027, underscoring the company’s robust financial health and commitment to this project.

The ELUCIDATE trial, a multi-center, open-label study, is currently evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ‘617, administered orally. The trial has entered the monotherapy dose escalation phase focusing on patients with advanced solid tumors. Positive progression in this phase has set the stage for a combination dose escalation slated for late 2024 or early 2025, targeting HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients resistant to CDK4/6 inhibitors.

David Hallett, Ph.D., interim CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of Exscientia, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “This underlines our confidence in AI to design not only potent and selective compounds but also ones with balanced properties, including a reversible mechanism and an appropriate human half-life to maximize therapeutic effectiveness.”

CDK7 inhibition is recognized for multiple potential benefits in oncology, including transcription inhibition and modulation of estrogen receptor activity, which are vital for combating resistance pathways associated with other CDK inhibitors. The comprehensive approach of the ELUCIDATE trial, which also includes testing ‘617 in combination with standard care therapies across various cancers such as breast, ovarian, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), highlights its potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.

Exscientia’s commitment to leveraging AI for drug design is evident in its development of ‘617. The company aims to address significant safety and efficacy limitations present in current treatments by focusing on a molecule that provides controlled target inhibition, reflecting its leadership in innovative drug development strategies.

With full control over the CDK7 inhibitor program, Exscientia is poised to lead advancements in cancer treatment, potentially setting new standards in the efficacy and safety of oncology drugs. The ongoing trials and the strategic use of AI place Exscientia at the forefront of a shift towards more personalized and effective cancer therapies.