Pathkey.AI (ASX:PKY) has announced a new partnership with Melbourne-based consultancy Armstrong Clinical, combining advanced artificial intelligence with deep human expertise in clinical development strategy to help sponsors design smarter, more successful early-phase studies.
Under a new Master Collaboration Agreement (MCA), the companies will integrate Pathkey’s TrialKey platform, which uses AI to predict the probability of success for clinical trials, with Armstrong Clinical’s extensive experience in clinical study design, regulatory planning, and development strategy.
The collaboration aims to improve trial outcomes, reduce development risk, and accelerate the path to market for biotech, pharma, medtech and academic research organisations globally.
The partnership will see projects delivered under co-branded work orders, with each company retaining ownership of its intellectual property. It forms part of Pathkey’s broader commercial expansion strategy and reinforces Australia’s reputation as a leading hub for early-phase clinical research.
Pathkey.AI Executive Chairman Damon Rasheed stated that the collaboration combines the best of data-driven technology with human clinical insight.
v“The earliest stages of clinical development often determine whether a therapy ever reaches patients,” he said. “Armstrong Clinical’s expertise in early-phase strategy is the perfect complement to Pathkey’s predictive AI technology. Through this partnership, we look forward to helping sponsors design smarter, more resilient studies from the beginning—improving their probability of success across the entire development lifecycle.”
Founded in 2013, Armstrong Clinical works with local and international clients on early-phase study design, regulatory strategy, and clinical development planning. Its consultants have designed and managed programs for global pharmaceutical companies and Australian biotech companies alike, with a focus on shortening timelines and bringing promising therapies to patients more quickly.
Armstrong Clinical founder Dr Bradley Joblin said the partnership aligns closely with the company’s mission.
“Our purpose has always been to help clients translate research into meaningful clinical and commercial outcomes,” he said. “Partnering with Pathkey adds a new layer of data-driven intelligence to our process. We expect this to deliver our clients greater certainty, efficiency and confidence in their early-phase strategy.”
The collaboration will initially focus on AI-driven feasibility and risk assessment for Phase 1 and 2a studies, predictive modelling to optimise protocol design, and strategic planning to enhance Australia’s competitiveness as a global destination for early-stage clinical trials.