Vancouver’s Rakovina Therapeutics (RKV:TSXV) is a Canadian biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer. It was founded in 2021 by Jeffrey Bacha, a serial entrepreneur with startups and companies operating in the biotechnology and life sciences fields.
Earlier this year, Bacha and the Rakovina team made a strategic pivot as they shifted towards artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cancer drug development. This included teaming up with Dr. Artem Cherkasov from the University of British Columbia so Rakovina could gain access to a proprietary Deep Docking AI Platform.
The collaboration enables the rapid analysis of molecular structures for identifying DNA-damage response targets, potentially expediting drug discovery across various cancer types.
Techcouver recently sat down with Bacha to talk about Rakovina’s pivot to AI, the collaboration with Dr. Cherkasov, and the potential for leveraging AI-driven precision medicine to fight cancer.
Tell us about Rakovina Therapeutics.
JB: We have a simple mission – to improve the lives of people battling cancer. We use technology with traditional biopharmaceutical research to identify molecular combinations that will open the doors towards cure.
By using our Deep Docking platform powered by advanced AI algorithms, we quickly analyze billions of molecular structures to evaluate their potential as targeted cancer drugs. We then validate their activity using our R&D infrastructure.
This approach is innovative in its developing of new therapies that target DNA-damage response related vulnerabilities which are common in many types of cancer.
What prompted Rakovina’s decision to pivot towards AI-driven precision medicine for cancer drug research?
JB: We saw the potential of AI to revolutionize cancer drug development research. By leveraging advanced AI algorithms through the Deep Docking platform, we can rapidly analyze molecular structures and identify targeted cancer drugs, which aligns with our mission to improve cancer patients’ lives.
Tell us about Rakovina’s collaboration with Dr. Cherkasov and gaining access to the Deep Docking AI Platform?
JB: Rakovina entered into a collaboration agreement with Dr. Cherkasov which grants us exclusive access to the Deep Docking AI Platform for DNA-damage response targets. Dr. Cherkasov’s expertise, coupled with the advanced AI algorithms of the Deep Docking platform, allows Rakovina to swiftly analyze potential drug candidates, positioning the company at the forefront of precision medicine research.
How does the Deep Docking AI Platform differentiate Rakovina’s approach to developing cancer therapeutics?
JB: The Deep Docking platform enables us to analyze billions of molecular structures and identify potential drug candidates targeting DNA-damage response-related vulnerabilities common in many cancers.
This approach can accelerate drug discovery by predicting safety, efficacy, and pharmaceutical properties, which paves the way for novel targeted therapies.
What impact does the pivot to AI have on your mission to improve the lives of cancer patients?
JB: We’re committed to transforming and prolonging the lives of cancer patients. By leveraging AI-driven precision medicine, we can develop targeted therapies that overcome resistance to conventional treatments. This strategic pivot we’ve made just underscores our dedication to advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes.
How does Rakovina plan to validate the drug candidates identified through the Deep Docking AI Platform?
JB: We use our established R&D infrastructure to validate the performance of potential drug candidates identified through the Deep Docking AI Platform. Under the leadership of our Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Mads Daugaard, we collaborate with leading experts and institutions to advance promising drug candidates through human clinical trials and pharmaceutical partnerships.
Tell us more about your team?
JB: Dr. Daugaard leads our scientific team along with a highly experienced medical advisory board. We have partnerships in place with the University of British Columbia at their Vancouver Prostate Center and Pharma Inventor in Vancouver. The partnerships allow us to capitalize on the Deep Docking AI platform while maintaining high standards of research.
What’s next for Rakovina?
JB: Our primary objective will continue to revolve around pioneering novel cancer therapeutics that specifically target DNA-damage response mechanisms, which are recognized as fundamental to numerous types of cancer.
The immediate focus will be on harnessing the power of our Deep Docking platform to pinpoint advanced PARP-inhibitors. These next-generation inhibitors aim to minimize side effects and enhance biodistribution, surpassing the efficacy of current standards in cancer treatment.
In leveraging our well-established laboratory infrastructure, we can then validate potential best-in-class lead candidates. Our ultimate goal is to expedite these candidates into human clinical trials by collaborating with pharmaceutical partners.
How can people stay connected with Rakovina’s news?
JB: You can follow us on LinkedIn or sign up on our website for our updates and news.
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