Insilico and SK Biopharmaceuticals Pursue New Neuroimmune Treatments Using AI

Insilico Medicine and SK Biopharmaceuticals have formed a research and development partnership to discover novel drug candidates for neuroimmune disorders affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Announced at the BIO 2026 International Convention, the collaboration combines Insilico’s generative artificial intelligence-powered drug discovery platform with SK Biopharmaceuticals’ experience in CNS drug development and commercialization.

The agreement focuses on neuroimmune diseases, a broad category that includes neuroinflammatory disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and rare neurological conditions. Despite major advances in neuroscience, these disorders continue to present significant treatment challenges, with limited therapeutic options and historically low clinical success rates.

Combining AI-Driven Discovery with CNS Expertise

Under the collaboration, Insilico will use its proprietary Pharma.AI platform to identify therapeutic targets, generate novel molecules, and optimize drug candidates. The company will also lead preclinical discovery activities.

SK Biopharmaceuticals will oversee later-stage development and commercialization of resulting programs. The company brings established expertise in CNS drug development, including its experience with the antiseizure medicine cenobamate, which has expanded its presence in global neurology markets.

The partners expect the combination of AI-enabled discovery and clinical development capabilities to accelerate the identification of new therapies for patients with neuroimmune disorders.

Deal Structure Highlights Growing Value of AI Partnerships

Financial terms underscore the increasing role of artificial intelligence in drug discovery collaborations.

Insilico is eligible to receive up to $18 million in upfront and near-term milestone payments. The total potential value of the agreement exceeds $2.5 billion through development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. The deal also includes single-digit royalties on future net sales if products reach commercialization.

According to the companies, the agreement represents the largest potential deal value Insilico has secured with an Asia-Pacific partner to date.

Leadership Sees Long-Term Strategic Opportunity

Donghoon Lee, President and CEO of SK Biopharmaceuticals, said the collaboration supports the company’s expansion beyond epilepsy into broader CNS therapeutic areas. He noted that combining AI-powered discovery with the company’s development and commercialization capabilities could create a repeatable platform for future CNS programs.

Dr. Alex Zhavoronkov, Founder, Co-CEO, and Chief Business Officer of Insilico Medicine, highlighted the complementary strengths of both organizations. He said the collaboration will leverage Insilico’s AI-driven target-to-candidate platform and SK Biopharmaceuticals’ neuroscience expertise to advance both traditional small molecules and emerging therapeutic modalities.

Building on a Growing AI Drug Discovery Track Record

Insilico has positioned itself among the leading AI-native biotechnology companies. The company reports that its platform can advance programs from target identification to preclinical candidate nomination in approximately 12 to 18 months, compared with the 2.5 to 4 years often required in traditional discovery programs.

Since 2021, Insilico has nominated 31 preclinical candidates, with 13 advancing to Investigational New Drug (IND) approval or clearance.

The new collaboration expands the company’s growing portfolio of AI-driven partnerships and highlights continued industry investment in artificial intelligence as a tool to accelerate drug discovery in complex neurological diseases.

Reference

Insilico Medicine And SK Biopharmaceuticals Achieved AI-powered Drug Discovery Collaboration Worth Up to 2.5 Billion for Neuroimmune Disorders