Partex and Ark Biopharmaceutical Expand Strategic Collaboration with New Out-Licensing Agreement for ATR Inhibitor AK0658

Partnership builds on the successful launch of AK0707 collaboration, advancing next-generation oncology asset through AI-driven life cycle management

Frankfurt, Germany – 27.05.2025– Following the successful initiation of their partnership around the autotaxin inhibitor AK0707, Partex, a leader in AI-driven pharmaceutical innovation, and Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("ArkBio"), a leading Chinese biopharmaceutical company, are pleased to announce a follow-up agreement to jointly develop and out-license AK0658, a preclinical ATR inhibitor with best-in-class potential.

Under the new agreement, Partex will apply its proprietary AI-powered platform to unlock the full life cycle management potential of AK0658 across a range of new indications. Partex will lead the identification of strategic partners and drive global out-licensing efforts.

AK0658 is an advanced preclinical-stage ATR inhibitor with improved selectivity, enhanced pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, and superior in-vivo efficacy compared to Berzosertib, one of the most prominent ATR inhibitors in development. The compound represents a promising therapeutic candidate for multiple cancer indications where DNA damage response (DDR) pathways are implicated.

"Building on the momentum from our AK0707 partnership, we are excited to take this next step with ArkBio," said Dr. Frank Grams, Chief Commercial Officer at Partex. "AK0658 is a compelling candidate with strong early data, and we believe our AI-driven approach will significantly accelerate the discovery of optimal indications and ideal partners for this asset."

Partex will once again utilize its Asset42 platform to identify high-potential indications for AK0658 and initiate outreach with pharmaceutical companies globally. The goal is to maximize the molecule's value and therapeutic impact through efficient and targeted life cycle management.

"AK0658 represents a highly promising candidate with the potential to leverage synthetic lethality approaches in cancers with DDR deficiencies," said Dr. Haiqing Yuan, Chief Operating Officer at Ark Biosciences. "Partex has proven to be an outstanding partner in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to unlock new opportunities for our pipeline. We are confident that this expanded collaboration will accelerate the global reach of AK0658 and bring transformative therapies to patients in need."

This continued partnership reflects both companies' commitment to leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative therapies worldwide.

About Partex
Partex is a leading innovator in pharmaceutical AI, specializing in data-driven drug development and out-licensing strategies. Its proprietary platform, Asset42, harnesses advanced machine learning to identify new therapeutic uses, optimize clinical potential, and streamline licensing transactions globally.

About Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (ArkBio) is a Chinese biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for unmet medical needs, particularly in pediatric and respiratory diseases. The company is also actively seeking out-licensing opportunities for innovative oncology assets such as AK0658 to maximize their global therapeutic potential.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Shashank Surana
Founder’s Office
Partex NV
info@partex.io