Pierre Fabre and Iktos Partner to Accelerate Oncology Drug Revelation with AI
Published: 2026/01/09 23:46:17
CASTRES, france and PARIS – January 9, 2026 – pierre Fabre Laboratories and Iktos, a leading innovator in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics for drug discovery, have announced a strategic collaboration to identify and develop innovative small-molecule drug candidates for oncology. This partnership underscores both companies’ dedication to advancing cancer research by integrating thier individual strengths in computational design, medicinal chemistry, biology, medical science, and preclinical advancement.
Leveraging AI to revolutionize Drug Discovery
The collaboration will center on Iktos’s AI-driven generative design platform, which will be employed to accelerate the identification of optimized small-molecule candidates targeting an undisclosed oncology target. Pierre Fabre Laboratories will contribute its extensive experience and established expertise in oncology research and preclinical development. This will guide the selection, evaluation, and progression of potential drug candidates, ensuring a robust and focused approach to discovery. Financial details of the agreement remain confidential but involve upfront payments and milestone-based compensation.
The Power of Generative AI in Drug Design
generative AI is rapidly changing the pharmaceutical landscape. Unlike traditional drug discovery methods, which frequently enough rely on trial-and-error, generative AI algorithms can design molecules with specific desired properties.This dramatically reduces the time and cost associated with identifying promising drug candidates. Iktos’s technology uses sophisticated algorithms to predict molecular properties and optimize designs, leading to compounds with a higher probability of success in clinical trials. This is a significant departure from traditional high-throughput screening, substantially accelerating the early stages of drug development.
Strategic Alignment and Shared Vision
“This collaboration with iktos marks an crucial milestone in our journey to build an AI-powered R&D engine at pierre Fabre Laboratories,” stated Audrey Kauffmann, Head of data science and Biometry at Pierre Fabre Medical Care R&D. “by integrating iktos’ generative AI and automated chemistry technologies into our research platforms, we are taking a step toward realizing our data and AI strategy. This cooperation exemplifies our ambition to leverage cutting-edge innovation to improve the quality and probability of success in drug discovery,while accelerating the delivery of meaningful advances for patients in oncology.”
Olivier Geneste, Head of drug Discovery at Pierre Fabre Medical Care R&D, added, “Thanks to its well-established expertise in generative AI coupled to automated chemistry, we strongly believe that iktos will help us in accelerating and derisking the discovery of innovative therapeutics targeting a highly valuable oncology target to serve unmet cancer patients’ needs.”
Yann Gaston-Mathé, Co-founder and CEO of Iktos, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “we are delighted to initiate this collaboration with Pierre Fabre Laboratories, a company with a distinguished track record in oncology. This collaboration exemplifies the powerful complementarity between Iktos’ generative AI and automated chemistry technologies and Pierre Fabre’s deep scientific and clinical development expertise. Together, we intend to create the optimal framework to rapidly and efficiently progress innovative small-molecule candidates in oncology, with the aim of bringing meaningful therapeutic advances to patients worldwide.”
Pierre Fabre’s Robust Oncology Pipeline
Pierre Fabre Laboratories has been proactively expanding its precision oncology pipeline with several promising assets. Current initiatives include:
- PFL-241 & PFL-721: Mutant-selective EGFR inhibitors for EGFR-driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- PFL-002: Currently in clinical testing for solid tumors driven by MET genetic alterations.
- Exarafenib: A pan-RAF inhibitor aimed at broadening targeted therapy options for RAS/RAF-driven solid tumors.
- Collaboration with Vernalis Ltd: Focused on identifying preclinical candidates for various oncology targets.
- Collaboration with RedRidge Bio: Dedicated to developing biparatopic antibodies for precision oncology, dermatology, and rare diseases.
These advancements complement the company’s existing oncology portfolio,which targets BRAF,MEK,HER2,and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-driven post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.
A Legacy of Innovation: Pierre Fabre Laboratories
Pierre fabre Laboratories, the world’s second-largest dermo-cosmetics company and a prominent European pharmaceutical company, boasts a diverse portfolio of brands including Eau Thermale Avène, Ducray, Klorane, and A-Derma. With a strong commitment to medical care, the company focuses on five key therapeutic areas: oncology, dermatology, rare diseases, primary care, and family health care. [https://wwwpierre-fabrecom/[https://wwwpierre-fabrecom/
For over four decades, Pierre Fabre Laboratories has been a key player in oncology, mastering the entire R&D and marketing process. In 2024, the company generated €520 million in oncology revenues, representing 88% of its overall international sales of €3.1 billion. The company’s dedication to innovation is reflected in its ample R&D budget, which reached €219 million in 2024, with 60% allocated to targeted oncology therapies and 35% to skin health solutions. Currently, 10 research and development programs are underway focused on targeted oncology therapies.
Uniquely, 86% of Pierre Fabre Laboratories is owned by its eponymous humanitarian Foundation, with the remaining shares held by employees. This structure emphasizes the company’s commitment to independence, long-term vision, and contribution to the common good.Dividends paid to the Pierre Fabre Foundation support 35 healthcare access programs in 22 of the world’s least developed countries.
Iktos: Pioneering AI-Driven Drug Discovery
Founded in 2016,Iktos is at the forefront of applying AI and robotics to drug discovery. [http://iktosai/[http://iktosai/ The company’s generative AI technology designs molecules in silico—within a computer simulation—optimized for key attributes of a drug discovery project. By combining AI-driven design with robotic synthesis and biological testing, iktos accelerates the drug discovery process. With over 60 successful projects completed to date, Iktos is also independently pursuing its own drug candidates in oncology, obesity, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases.
Iktos has secured significant funding, including a €15.5M Series A round led by M Ventures and Debiopharm Innovation, and a €2.5M grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. In 2024, the company expanded its capabilities through the acquisition of Synsight, bolstering its cellular imaging and high-content biological screening abilities.
Looking Ahead
This collaboration between Pierre Fabre Laboratories and Iktos signifies a major step forward in the submission of AI to oncology drug discovery. By combining the strengths of both organizations, this partnership has the potential to accelerate the development of novel therapies and significantly improve outcomes for patients battling cancer. the integration of AI not only speeds up the discovery process but also allows for the design of more effective and targeted treatments, representing a new era in pharmaceutical innovation.
