Chugai Withdraws AI-Developed Antibody from Pipeline
Chugai Pharmaceutical, a Japanese biotechnology company and subsidiary of Roche, has decided to discontinue its only clinical-stage antibody candidate developed using artificial intelligence. Despite the setback, the company remains committed to AI as a core driver of its future research and development strategies.
The company confirmed the removal of BRY10, an investigational antibody targeting chronic diseases, from its development pipeline during its 2025 financial results presentation held on January 29. The candidate had reached phase 1 trials in Japan, where it was being evaluated for safety in healthy adult male volunteers.
“While we cannot disclose specific details regarding the reasons for the discontinuation, the decision to halt development for chronic disease indications was made based on a comprehensive review of the data obtained to date,” a Chugai spokesperson stated in a comment to Fierce Biotech.
BRY10’s Development and AI Integration
BRY10 stood out in Chugai’s pipeline as the only antibody candidate partially developed using the company’s proprietary artificial intelligence platform known as Malexa. The AI tool was instrumental in the lead optimization phase, helping scientists identify antibodies with desirable therapeutic properties.
Although the company has now removed all clinical candidates developed with Malexa from active trials, Chugai strongly emphasized that the decision to discontinue BRY10 was not a reflection of the AI platform’s capabilities.
“The discontinuation was unrelated to the Malexa technology itself, and we do not believe this has raised any concerns about the continued use of Malexa,” the spokesperson explained. “Malexa remains a versatile platform technology applicable across all antibody projects, and its implementation is under consideration for numerous other programs.”
Continued Confidence in AI-Driven Research
Far from abandoning its AI ambitions, Chugai is doubling down on its commitment to integrating artificial intelligence across its operations. In the same financial presentation, the company unveiled an “AI Vision” initiative focusing on concepts such as “AI Everyday,” “AI Everywhere,” and “AI Transformation.”
These themes reflect Chugai’s broader strategy to embed AI into every aspect of its business, from drug discovery and clinical trials to administrative and commercial operations. The ultimate goal is to treat AI not merely as a tool but as a strategic partner that drives innovation and societal impact.
“We aim to create new value that leads to business transformation and broader societal change,” the presentation noted, outlining AI’s role in reshaping the company’s approach to pharmaceutical development.
AI in Pharma: A Promising Yet Unproven Frontier
Chugai’s experience comes amidst a growing trend in the pharmaceutical industry to harness AI for faster, more precise drug development. Artificial intelligence holds the potential to analyze vast datasets, identify promising compounds, and streamline clinical trial designs. However, the industry has yet to see an AI-designed drug reach final regulatory approval.
The most advanced example of an AI-developed drug is Insilico Medicine’s rentosertib, which recently completed a phase 2a trial focused on safety for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Despite such milestones, AI-generated therapies still face hurdles in proving efficacy and navigating regulatory pathways.
Chugai’s cautious yet optimistic stance mirrors the broader industry sentiment: while AI offers immense promise, its real-world applications still require rigorous validation through clinical data and regulatory scrutiny.
Looking Ahead: AI as a Core Strategic Asset
Despite the discontinuation of BRY10, Chugai appears undeterred in its ambition to leverage AI for future drug discoveries. The company views Malexa not as a failed experiment but as a foundational technology that will inform its next generation of therapeutic innovations.
This forward-looking approach aligns with Chugai’s long-term vision to position itself at the intersection of biotechnology and digital innovation. By continuing to invest in AI-enhanced platforms, the company hopes to accelerate the development of novel treatments while maintaining high standards of safety and efficacy.
As Chugai reevaluates its pipeline and prepares to launch new AI-supported programs, industry observers will be watching closely to see whether the company can turn its technological investments into tangible breakthroughs. The journey may be complex, but Chugai’s commitment signals that AI will remain a central pillar of its innovation strategy.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.