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Insilico, Qilu Strike Near-$120 Million AI Drug Discovery Pact for Cardiometabolic Therapies

The pact shifts their relationship from software licensing to joint R&D focused on pairing AI design with Qilu’s development expertise.

Overview

  • Insilico will use its Pharma.AI platform to design and optimize small‑molecule inhibitors targeting cardiometabolic disease.
  • Qilu Pharmaceutical, including its Shanghai research center, will lead subsequent clinical development and commercialization.
  • The deal includes development and commercial milestone payments totaling nearly $120 million plus single‑digit royalties on net sales.
  • The collaboration builds on Qilu’s 2021 adoption of Insilico’s PandaOmics tool, moving from software use to deeper co‑development.
  • Insilico cites an expanding AI‑derived pipeline with eight cardiometabolic candidates and positive Phase IIa data for rentosertib, while Qilu contributes large‑scale manufacturing capacity and top‑three industry standing in China.