AstraZeneca to Acquire Modella AI, Boosting Oncology Drug Research
- tech360.tv
- Jan 14
- 2 min read
AstraZeneca will acquire Boston-based Modella AI to accelerate oncology drug research and the discovery of new medicines. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement.
Modella AI's foundation models and artificial intelligence agents will integrate into oncology research and development. This integration aims to support clinical development and biomarker discovery.
Gabi Raia, Modella AI’s chief commercial officer, stated that oncology drug development is becoming more complex, data-rich, and time-sensitive. Raia added that joining AstraZeneca would allow Modella to deploy its tools in global trials and clinical settings.
AstraZeneca announced this marks the first acquisition of an artificial intelligence firm by a major pharmaceutical organisation. This move aligns with the drug industry’s increasing use of AI to speed up drug discovery.
Aradhana Sarin, AstraZeneca chief financial officer, said the acquisition would “supercharge” the company’s quantitative pathology and biomarker discovery efforts. Sarin explained that this brings more data and AI capabilities in-house for AstraZeneca.
This deal is among several pacts between major drug firms and AI companies announced at a healthcare conference. Another notable collaboration involves Nvidia and Eli Lilly, a USD 1 billion partnership to build a new research laboratory using Nvidia’s latest-generation AI chips.
Modella will accelerate AstraZeneca’s efforts to make pathology more quantitative. This involves using computers to analyse biopsies for relevant proteins and correlate them with clinical data.
Sarin noted this process allows AstraZeneca to develop “highly targeted biomarkers and then highly targeted therapeutics.” The current acquisition expands on a multi-year collaboration the companies unveiled in July.
Sarin described that prior partnership as a “test drive.” She added that AstraZeneca ultimately sought to bring Modella’s data, foundation models, and AI talent in-house.
AI tools can also be used to select patients for drug trials more rapidly. This could potentially increase the odds of clinical success and reduce related costs.
Separately, Sarin stated that 2026 is anticipated to be another catalyst year for AstraZeneca. Multiple high-value late-stage readouts are expected across various therapy areas. The company is currently working towards a target of USD 80 billion in annual revenue by 2030.
AstraZeneca is acquiring Boston-based Modella AI to accelerate oncology drug research.
Modella AI’s technology will integrate into AstraZeneca’s oncology research and development to support biomarker discovery and clinical development.
AstraZeneca Chief Financial Officer Aradhana Sarin highlighted the acquisition will boost quantitative pathology and bring AI capabilities in-house.
Source: REUTERS
