XtalPi (HK:2228), a China-based platform in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics-driven drug discovery, announced on Wednesday a strategic partnership with a prominent international biopharmaceutical company.

The company says that the collaboration focuses on developing a best-in-class small molecule against a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). This agreement is claimed to build on a rigorous and successful pilot phase, where XtalPi's integrated quantum physics and AI algorithms delivered breakthrough hit rates, confirming the platform's capacity to tackle this complex metabolic target.

Under the agreement, the undisclosed partner will provide an upfront payment and fully fund XtalPi's early R&D efforts. In addition, XtalPi is also eligible to receive preclinical, clinical, and commercial milestones, along with future royalties, bringing the total potential deal value to over USD400m.