Lisata and GATC to use AI for new opioid use disorder drug

US pharma firm Lisata Therapeutics (Nasdaq: LSTA) has teamed up with tech-bio company GATC Health in a strategic alliance aimed at using artificial intelligence to streamline drug development and improve success rates.

The deal expands on previous work between the two companies. GATC had already applied its AI engine to support certepetide, Lisata’s experimental solid tumor therapy. The new arrangement gives Lisata access to GATC’s Multiomics Advanced Technology platform, which is designed to flag promising drug combinations, including those with certepetide, and predict key factors like safety and effectiveness with a high degree of confidence.

Their first joint project focuses on a new treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), based on a small molecule discovered by GATC’s platform. In animal studies, the drug reduced fentanyl intake. It’s expected to begin human trials early next year.