Absci initiates IND-enabling studies for ABS-101

Absci Corporation announced the initiation of IND-enabling studies for ABS-101, a potential best-in-class anti-TL1A antibody designed using Absci’s de novo generative AI foundation model. Given a target structure, Absci uses this model to designate a specific epitope of interest, allowing for the engineering of epitope-specific antibodies to access novel biology. Absci then uses its AI lead optimization models to further engineer candidates to have an optimal clinical development profile. “The initiation of IND-enabling studies for ABS-101 represents a major milestone for Absci,” said Sean McClain, Founder and CEO of Absci. “The progress we have made on this program demonstrates the ability of our platform to create a differentiated antibody drug candidate in less than half the time of industry standards, as we expect to submit our IND approximately two years after beginning this program. This achievement illustrates the power of using generative AI to improve the drug discovery process to bring better medicines to patients, faster.”