Berg applies machine-learning platform to PhII pancreatic cancer trial

Berg is taking its tech-enabled approach to drug development into the clinic. The biotech, which is known for making brash statements about its ability to slash preclinical timelines, has incorporated its machine-learning technology into a Phase II pancreatic cancer trial in an attempt to identify the patients who are most likely to respond to the treatment. In its early years, Berg, which was cofounded in 2006 by real estate billionaire Carl Berg, applied a combination of genomics, systems biology, computational modeling and artificial intelligence to the discovery of a pipeline of products. Now, with two candidates in the clinic in multiple indications, the biotech is aiming to use similar capabilities to improve its odds of success in human trials. A Phase II study combining Berg's lead candidate, BPM 31510, with gemcitabine is acting as an early testing ground for the concept.