The collaboration will connect PostEra’s synthesis prediction technology with Optibrium’s comprehensive platform for design, optimisation and data analysis for small molecule discovery

Optibrium, a leading developer of software and AI for small molecule discovery, and PostEra, an AI-first biotechnology company with advanced machine learning (ML) technology for preclinical discovery, has announced a collaboration to integrate Optibrium’s StarDrop platform with PostEra’s Manifold software. StarDrop’s comprehensive suite of drug discovery software enables de novo compound design, optimisation, and data analysis and now, with the seamless integration of Manifold’s retrosynthesis ML capabilities, users can identify the best scalable synthetic routes.

Founded in 2019, PostEra’s cutting-edge approach has already attracted high-calibre collaborations, with institutes such as Pfizer and the National Institutes of Health teaming with PostEra on discovery projects. With this integration, PostEra joins Optibrium’s growing list of technology collaborators, including Collaborative Drug Discovery and Certara.

Manifold, a subset of PostEra’s broader medicinal chemistry platform, is a powerful retrosynthesis software that uses ML algorithms to select the best scalable routes for compound synthesis from accessible building blocks, complemented by an intuitive user interface. To streamline project timelines, starting materials which are readily available to purchase can be easily identified through dynamic connections to contract research organisations, globally. Together, StarDrop and Manifold deliver seamless data flow across design, optimisation, analysis and synthesis planning, enabling users to quickly identify and produce high quality, synthetically accessible compounds in the discovery and development of new therapeutics.

Matthew Segall, Chief Executive Officer, Optibrium, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with PostEra, whose team demonstrates an impressive focus on scientific rigour that strongly aligns with our own core values. The combination of StarDrop with Manifold’s retrosynthesis capabilities showcases Optibrium’s ongoing commitment to providing our users with the latest and most innovative technology, delivering a comprehensive AI drug discovery solution that will help scientists to further their R&D projects.”

Aaron Morris, Chief Executive Officer, PostEra, commented: “This collaboration with Optibrium is an exciting opportunity to provide drug discovery scientists with the best possible tools to overcome key challenges in preclinical workflows. By integrating our innovative software products, we hope to make a meaningful impact for patients worldwide.”

About Optibrium

Optibrium provides elegant software solutions for small molecule design, optimisation and data analysis. Optibrium’s lead product, StarDrop™, is a comprehensive suite of integrated software with a highly visual and user-friendly interface. StarDrop enables a seamless flow from the latest data through to predictive modelling and decision-making regarding the next round of synthesis and research, improving the speed, efficiency, and productivity of the discovery process. The company’s Augmented Chemistry® products and services, including Cerella™, deliver proven artificial intelligence technologies that continuously learn from all available data to supplement researchers’ experience and skills.

Optibrium was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, with a US subsidiary, Optibrium Inc., based in Cambridge MA. The company works closely with over 170 customers and collaborators worldwide, including leading global pharma, biotech, agrochemical and flavouring companies and not-for-profit and academic groups.

About PostEra

PostEra was founded in 2019 and its technology is built on pioneering academic research done by its founding scientists. PostEra's technology addresses some of the key challenges in drug discovery R&D by integrating molecular design with chemical synthesis. PostEra advances small molecule programs via an internal pipeline and through co-discovery partnerships with biopharma, while also offering some of its synthesis technology via its Manifold platform. PostEra also launched and helps lead the world's largest open-science drug discovery effort; COVID Moonshot.

Recent news from Optibrium