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Showing posts with label drug discovery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drug discovery. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Two years ago! That was the last time you could buy shares of Recursion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: RXRX) at today's price! Here's why!

 


Recursion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: RXRX) 

recently raised approximately $200 million through a public offering of 30,769,230 shares of its Class A common stock at a price of $6.50 per share.

The lead book-running managers for this offering were Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan, with Allen & Company LLC also acting as a book-running manager​ (Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)​​ (Market Wire News)​.

The specific buyers of these shares include institutional investors, as is typical in such offerings.

 Recursion's institutional ownership is notably high, with major investors including firms like Kinnevik AB, which holds a significant portion of shares. 

Other institutional investors involved over the last year include DNB Asset Management AS, Teachers Retirement System of the State of Kentucky, and California State Teachers Retirement System​ (Stock Market News Live | Stock Titan)​​ (MarketBeat)​.

These funds are expected to support Recursion's ongoing research and development efforts, leveraging their platform for drug discovery. This move is a strategic effort to secure additional capital necessary for advancing their clinical programs and expanding their operational capabilities​ (Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)​​ (Market Wire News)​​ (Stock Market News Live | Stock Titan)​.

also...

Nvidia owns shares in Recursion Pharmaceuticals (RXRX)

Nvidia made a significant investment of $50 million in Recursion in July 2023, purchasing shares through a private investment in public equity (PIPE). 

As part of this investment, Nvidia acquired approximately 7.7 million shares of Recursion, which at the time was valued at $75.9 million​ (MarketBeat)​​ (Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)​​ (Ground News)​. 

This investment underscores Nvidia's confidence in Recursion's AI-driven drug discovery platform and represents a strategic partnership to leverage Nvidia's computing capabilities in the biotech field.

Financials

Recursion Pharmaceuticals is currently in a strong financial position with $296.3 million in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2024 and with this recent infusion of cash, they have basically doubled their financial position.

 The company reported a revenue of $13.8 million for Q1 2024, primarily due to its partnership with Roche. However, they also posted a net loss of $91.4 million for the quarter due to significant investments in research and development and general administrative expenses. 

Technologically

Recursion continues to enhance its platform, focusing on advanced computational biology, machine learning, and transcriptomics to drive drug discovery​ (Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)​.

Discl: Long $RXRX and accumulating!


In Bio Science, there is a race for better Gene sequencing and genomics technology!




Friday, June 21, 2024

Pfizer is actively using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance its drug development processes.

  

Pfizer has integrated AI in various stages of drug discovery and development to accelerate research and improve precision.

One of the significant AI-driven initiatives by Pfizer includes a collaboration with the Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (CeMM). This partnership has resulted in an AI and ML platform that measures how small molecules bind to human proteins, which helps identify new drug candidates more efficiently. The platform has created a catalog of interactions that can be used for further drug development efforts​ (Fierce Biotech)​.

Additionally, Pfizer has extended its collaboration with CytoReason, an Israeli startup specializing in AI-powered disease models. This partnership, renewed with a $110 million investment, aims to develop high-resolution models of various diseases to support Pfizer's research across over 20 disease areas. CytoReason’s technology helps simulate individual diseases and identify effective treatments, potentially speeding up clinical trials and reducing costs​ (Fierce Biotech)​​​.

Pfizer is also leveraging AI to improve patient stratification and target prioritization in therapeutic areas such as oncology, internal medicine, and immunology. By analyzing large datasets, including biomarker and next-generation sequencing data, Pfizer aims to better understand disease subtypes and enhance the design and success rates of its clinical trials​ (BioSpace)​.

Current Stock Performance and Forecasts

  1. Stock Ratings and Price Targets:

    • The consensus rating for Pfizer (PFE) is "Buy," with an average price target of around $35.86, suggesting a potential upside of about 29% from its current price​ (MarketBeat)​. However, other sources suggest a slightly higher average price target of $40.54​ (Benzinga)​.
    • Specific targets from analysts vary, with some setting a high target of $50 and a low of $27​ (MarketBeat)​​ (Benzinga)​. (Note: Today's price is closer to $13)
  2. Challenges:

    • Pfizer's stock price has significantly dropped from its pandemic highs due to declining demand for COVID-19 vaccines and legal challenges related to its vaccine claims​ (Stock Analysis)​.
    • Recent setbacks include a failed gene therapy trial and discontinuation of a weight-loss drug due to side effects, which have contributed to the stock's decline​ (InvestorPlace)​.

Potential Positives

  1. Robust Product Pipeline:

    • Despite setbacks, Pfizer's pipeline remains strong with 110 assets in development and plans to add significant revenue through new drugs and acquisitions, such as the $43 billion Seagen deal expected to contribute at least $3 billion annually​ (InvestorPlace)​.
  2. Financial Stability:

    • Pfizer maintains substantial liquidity with $44 billion in cash, which provides a buffer against future uncertainties and supports ongoing investments in new product development​ (InvestorPlace)​.
    • The company is focusing on high-potential markets such as obesity, where it aims to introduce new treatments despite previous challenges​ (InvestorPlace)​.
  3. Dividends:

    • Pfizer continues to offer an attractive dividend yield of around 5.84%, which is appealing to income-focused investors​ (InvestorPlace)​.

Pfizer is actively using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance its drug development processes. The company has integrated AI in various stages of drug discovery and development to accelerate research and improve precision.

The largest shareholders of Pfizer include a mix of institutional investors and mutual funds. As of the latest available data, the top shareholders are typically large financial institutions and investment firms. Here are some of the largest shareholders:

  1. The Vanguard Group, Inc.
  2. BlackRock, Inc.
  3. State Street Corporation
  4. Wellington Management Group LLP
  5. Geode Capital Management, LLC

These entities often hold significant shares due to their extensive portfolios and investment strategies focused on large, stable companies like Pfizer. Specific ownership percentages can fluctuate due to trading activities, so for the most accurate and up-to-date information, checking recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), such as 13F filings, would be advisable.

Overall, Pfizer’s integration of AI and ML is helping to streamline drug discovery, optimize clinical trials, and develop more effective treatments for various conditions, positioning the company at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation​ (Pfizer Investor Insights)​​ (Fierce Biotech)​​​.

Promising cancer treatments in it's pipeline coupled with a healthy financial book and future royalties positions Xencor for success!


Quantum annealing technology has real world benefit for both businesses and society in general!

  Quantum annealing is a quantum computing technique designed to solve optimization problems faster than classical algorithms. It leverages quantum mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and tunneling, to explore and identify optimal solutions in complex landscapes more efficiently than classical methods.

Benefits for Business and Society

  1. Optimization Problems: Quantum annealing excels in solving optimization problems that are prevalent in various industries. For instance, it can optimize supply chain logistics, portfolio management in finance, and scheduling problems in manufacturing and transportation .

  2. Drug Discovery: In pharmaceuticals, quantum annealing can enhance drug discovery by efficiently modeling molecular interactions, potentially leading to the faster development of new medications .

  3. Material Science: It can be used to discover new materials by simulating atomic structures and properties more accurately than classical computers .

  4. Artificial Intelligence: Quantum annealing can improve machine learning algorithms by optimizing training processes and solving complex optimization problems inherent in AI development .

Leading Companies in Quantum Annealing

  1. D-Wave Systems: D-Wave is the pioneer in commercial quantum annealing technology. They have developed several generations of quantum annealers and provide quantum computing services through their cloud platform. D-Wave's systems are used in various applications, including optimization, AI, and machine learning .

  2. Fujitsu: Fujitsu has developed a digital annealer, which is inspired by quantum annealing principles. Although it is not a quantum computer, it mimics the quantum annealing process and offers significant speed-ups for optimization problems. Fujitsu markets this technology for logistics, financial services, and manufacturing industries .

  3. Hitachi: Hitachi is another player in the field, working on technologies that leverage quantum annealing for various industrial applications, including transportation and logistics optimization .

Conclusion

Quantum annealing is a promising quantum technology with tangible benefits for business and society. It is particularly powerful in solving complex optimization problems that are challenging for classical computers. Leading companies like D-Wave Systems, Fujitsu, and Hitachi are at the forefront of developing and applying this technology across various sectors, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize industries through enhanced computational capabilities.

Disclosure: writer has a position in D-wave Quantum - $QBTS on Nsdq

D-Wave Quantum Inc., a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services, has several notable advantages in the field of quantum technology.


Sunday, May 12, 2024

Recursion Pharmaceuticals is at the forefront of AI-driven drug discovery!

 Recursion Pharmaceuticals has caught the attention of major pharmaceutical companies due to its innovative approach to drug discovery. More recently, nVidia bought $70 Million of shares in $RXRX



Here’s why it’s worth knowing about:

  1. AI-Driven Drug Discovery:

    Recursion collaborates with major biopharma companies to reduce research and development (R&D) costs and timelines. It employs AI-enabled methods to identify promising biological targets and molecules. By using digital chemistry and machine learning, Recursion calculates potential drug development targets efficiently.

  2. Massive Data Repository:

    Recursion maintains an extensive database with over 3.1 trillion relationships between chemical and biological components. This data helps identify potential drug targets and streamline the drug discovery process.

  3. Recent Acquisitions:

    Recursion recently acquired AI-related biotechs, Cyclica and Valence, which will enhance its drug discovery capabilities. These acquisitions aim to make Recursion even more effective at identifying drug targets and collaborating with pharmaceutical companies1.

  4. Existing Collaborations:

     As we pointed out, powerful players like Roche and Bayer are already among Recursion’s patrons. Collaborating with Recursion allows these companies to leverage AI-driven approaches for drug discovery2.

  5. Rare Disease Pipeline:

    Recursion also has its own development pipeline, including three programs in phase 2 clinical trials for rare diseases. For example, one program targets neurofibromatosis type 2, a condition affecting only 33,000 people worldwide. These pipeline projects could significantly boost Recursion’s revenue in the long term

  6. Recursion Pharmaceuticals (RXRX on the Nasdaq)
  7. offers a unique blend of AI-driven drug discovery, a vast data repository, and promising collaborations, making it an attractive partner for big pharmaceutical companies


Recursion Pharmaceuticals collaborates with NVIDIA to accelerate drug discovery using AI technology. Their newest supercomputer, BioHive-2, powered by 504 NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs, delivers 2 exaflops of AI performance—nearly 5x faster than their previous system.


Latest news:


Recursion ($RXRX)


Has developed an impressive artificial intelligence system called BioHive-2, which is powered by NVIDIA AI.  


 This supercomputer is specifically designed to accelerate drug discovery in the field of biology.

 

Let me share some details about it:

  1. BioHive-2: Recursion’s BioHive-2 is the largest system in the pharmaceutical industry. It’s located at Recursion’s headquarters in Salt Lake City.

    This supercomputer ranks No. 35 on the latest TOP500 list of the world’s fastest supercomputers. 

  2. It’s a significant improvement over its predecessor, BioHive-1, and delivers an impressive 2 exaflops of AI performance1.

  3. AI in Drug Discovery: Recursion uses AI models on BioHive-2 to accelerate drug discovery. The field of biology is incredibly complex, and finding new drug candidates often involves years of wet-lab experiments.

    Recursion’s scientists can now run over 2 million experiments per week

  4. With AI assistance, they can focus on the most promising areas, significantly reducing the need for extensive wet lab work. The goal is to achieve 80% of the value with only 40% of the experiments, thanks to AI-guided decision-making.

  5. Massive Biological Dataset: Recursion collaborates with biopharma companies like Bayer AG, Roche, and Genentech. Over time, they’ve built a 50-petabyte database containing biological, chemical, and patient data. 

  6. This vast dataset fuels powerful AI models that accelerate drug discovery. In fact, Recursion believes it’s one of the largest biological datasets globally, intentionally spanning both biology and chemistry.

  7. Phenom Models: Using BioHive-1, Recursion developed a family of foundation models called Phenom. These models transform microscopic cellular images into meaningful representations for understanding underlying biology. 

  8. Phenom-Beta, a member of this family, is now available as a cloud API and the first third-party model on NVIDIA BioNeMo, a generative AI platform for drug discovery1.

In summary, Recursion’s AI-driven approach is revolutionizing drug discovery by leveraging massive datasets, powerful AI models, and BioHive-2’s computational prowess. 

Their work has the potential to transform our understanding of biology and improve patients’ lives through better drug treatments


Disclosure: we are long $RXRX


"The rapid and complete resolution of aggressive MSS colorectal cancer tumors observed in this study is unprecedented in the field" says the author Dr. Kasi