Hanx Biopharmaceuticals (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. has signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Advanced Interdisciplinary Research Centre of the HUST-CityU Macau Institute of Advanced Studies to jointly build a “Joint Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence-Driven Drug Discovery.” The initiative seeks to merge the Centre’s artificial-intelligence platform with Hanx Biopharmaceuticals’ expertise in antibody and molecular research, targeting faster, more precise development of innovative therapeutics.
The collaboration will focus on two core programmes:
1. AI-assisted antibody optimisation – Using multi-scale molecular dynamics simulations and deep-learning models, the partners will conduct large-scale digital screening of antibody libraries and predict affinity maturation to improve target specificity, binding efficiency and reduce experimental costs.
2. Intelligent molecular design – The parties intend to co-develop generative AI models for “De Novo Design,” enabling rapid identification and multi-objective optimisation of molecules across structure, physicochemical characteristics and ADME profiles to accelerate first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) drug discovery.
Hanx Biopharmaceuticals expects the joint laboratory to streamline antibody screening and molecular-optimisation workflows, shorten research timelines, cut development costs and bolster its R&D pipeline in oncology and autoimmune diseases. Established in 2014, the company pursues next-generation immunotherapies built on structural biology and translational medicine platforms.
The Advanced Interdisciplinary Research Centre, formed by Huazhong University of Science and Technology and the City University of Macau’s Institute of Advanced Studies, contributes expertise in advanced material design, high-performance computing, macromolecular dynamics simulation and bioinformatics.
In accordance with Hong Kong Listing Rule 18A.05, Hanx Biopharmaceuticals cautions that there is no guarantee the collaboration will lead to commercially launched products. Shareholders and potential investors are advised to exercise caution when dealing in the company’s shares.