Better Living through Computational Chemistry

When Takeda in 2023 paid Nimbus Therapeutics $4 billion upfront and the potential for two additional $1 billion milestone payments for its experimental TYK2 inhibitor, the deal was an eye-popping validation of Nimbus’ approach. The company, an early innovator in a computational chemistry, has now integrated AI into its approach to drug discovery. And though it’s been an innovator in technology, it’s also been an innovator in its portfolio approach as an early example of an effective use of a hub-and-spoke business model. We spoke to Abbas Kazimi, CEO of Nimbus, about computational chemistry, how the company’s drug discovery approach has evolved with AI, and how its business model provides liquidity to investors and while making it easier to structure deals.