KAIST Researchers Develop AI Technology to Predict Cell Responses to Drugs and Genetic Changes

Researchers at KAIST have developed a generative AI technology that can predict new cell-drug reactions and the effects of genetic perturbations. The team used a "latent space" mathematical map to organize cell states and drug effects, and then recombined them to predict reactions of previously untested cell-drug combinations. The AI identified molecular targets capable of reverting colorectal cancer cells to a normal-like state, with potential applications in drug discovery, cancer therapy, and regenerative medicine.

Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) has announced preliminary clinical data from a phase 2 trial of petosemtamab, a bispecific antibody, in combination with standard of care chemotherapy and as monotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The trial, which is ongoing, has demonstrated antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile.

The data, presented by Dr. Moh’d Khushman M.D. at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, includes observations from three cohorts of patients with mCRC. In the first-line (1L) and second-line (2L) cohorts, petosemtamab was administered in combination with FOLFOX/FOLFIRI. In the third-line and beyond (3L+) cohort, petosemtamab was administered as monotherapy.

As of the April 28, 2025 data cutoff, 36 patients were treated, with 1L patients showing one unconfirmed complete response and two partial responses (PRs) out of three efficacy evaluable patients. In the 2L cohort, four PRs and three stable diseases (SDs) were observed out of eight evaluable patients. In the 3L+ cohort, one unconfirmed PR and six SDs were observed out of fourteen evaluable patients.

Safety data showed no fatal treatment-related adverse events across all cohorts. The most frequent adverse events included dermatitis acneiform, constipation, fatigue, and peripheral neuropathy in the petosemtamab plus FOLFOX/FOLFIRI cohorts, and rash and nausea in the monotherapy cohort.

Merus is looking forward to presenting a more mature clinical update at the plenary session on October 24. The data will also be available in a poster session on the same day.