Qureight’s deep-learning biomarkers confirm representativeness of Insilico’s Phase 2a IPF cohort, paving the way for broader patient trials

Qureight, a Cambridge-based techbio company specialising in deep-learning image biomarkers and clinical data analytics, has released results from its collaboration with Insilico Medicine to support the development of rentosertib (ISM001-055), a novel TNIK inhibitor being investigated for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Insilico, a clinical-stage biotech known for applying generative AI to drug discovery, recently reported promising findings from a Phase 2a trial of rentosertib. The investigational therapy is designed to block TNIK (TRAF2 and NCK interacting kinase), a target linked to the fibrotic processes that drive progressive lung function decline in IPF.

Qureight’s platform was used to independently analyse trial data using quantitative high-resolution CT (HRCT) biomarkers and clinical datasets. These AI-derived metrics confirmed there were no statistically significant differences in baseline disease severity between the treatment cohorts, strengthening the trial’s preliminary efficacy signals.

In addition, data from Qureight’s IPF biorepository — the largest of its kind — helped demonstrate that the patient population enrolled in Insilico’s trial was representative of global IPF populations. This reinforces the generalisability of the results and provides confidence in expanding the study to broader patient cohorts internationally.

“These results demonstrate the impact of our analytics platform and specialised datasets in validating the development of promising new therapies,” said Dr Muhunthan Thillai, CEO and Co-founder of Qureight. “We hope to support future stages of development and contribute further to understanding TNIK as a novel target in IPF.”

The Phase 2a trial recently published in Nature Medicine showed early clinical efficacy based on improved forced vital capacity (FVC) at 12 weeks, and marked the first clinical validation of TNIK as a biological target in IPF — a significant milestone for the field.

“Rentosertib has demonstrated meaningful potential for IPF patients,” said Dr Alex Zhavoronkov, Founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine. “Our collaboration with Qureight also confirms the disease state of our trial cohort aligns with global norms, illustrating the broader potential of this approach.”

Findings from the Qureight-Insilico analysis will be presented at the European Respiratory Congress 2025, taking place September 5–9 in Amsterdam.