TORONTO & WALTHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Phenomic AI Inc. (“Phenomic”), a biotech company developing therapies for stroma-rich tumors using its scTx^® single cell transcriptomics platform, has entered into a strategic research collaboration with Astellas Pharma Inc., “Astellas” through Xyphos Biosciences, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Astellas). For this collaboration, Phenomic and Astellas will explore the ability of antibodies, developed by Phenomic and directed at a novel target of the tumor stroma identified with Phenomic’s scTx platform, to enhance cell therapy approaches for the treatment of solid tumors.

“scTx’s massive database and machine learning-engine provides insights into the tumor stroma, a major barrier to cancer therapies, at a resolution not previously possible and ultimately enables Phenomic to develop therapies for the hardest to treat tumors,” stated Girish Aakalu, Ph.D., CEO of Phenomic. “We are excited to explore the potential of our antibodies to make cell therapies more effective for solid tumors by targeting the tumor stroma and collaborate with the Astellas team given their deep cell therapy expertise.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Phenomic will receive an upfront payment, full research funding, and a milestone payment. Astellas will receive a first right to negotiate a license to these antibodies during the term of the agreement.

Phenomic AI

Phenomic AI (“Phenomic”) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to overcoming the tumor stroma, a complex barrier that drives poor outcomes in the majority of solid tumors. The company is applying its proprietary single-cell transcriptomics platform, known as scTx^®, to advance a first-of-its-kind approach to solid cancer drug discovery and development. scTx identifies novel drug targets and provides new insights into previously inaccessible tumor biology. Through its unique platform, Phenomic is developing a robust portfolio of potential first-in-class drug candidates to treat challenging stroma-rich solid cancers. The company was founded by pioneering artificial intelligence experts and experienced drug developers and is led by a world-class team with deep expertise in immuno-oncology, cancer, stromal biology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Learn more about the Phenomic team, platform and pipeline at www.phenomic.ai.