Cyclica

Cyclica, now a core component of Recursion Pharmaceuticals' technology stack following its 2023 acquisition, represents the frontier of biophysics-informed AI. Its architecture is built around two primary engines: MatchMaker and POEM. Unlike traditional drug discovery tools that focus on a 'one-target, one-drug' philosophy, Cyclica utilizes a 'polypharmacology' approach, screening small molecules against the entire human proteome to identify both primary therapeutic targets and potential off-target effects early in the pipeline. MatchMaker utilizes deep learning to predict protein-ligand interactions by integrating structural data and biochemical knowledge, while POEM (Property Estimation Model) provides a machine-learning-based approach to predicting ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) profiles. By 2026, the platform has been fully integrated into Recursion’s 'OS', serving as the primary computational engine for identifying novel chemical entities (NCEs) and drug repurposing candidates. It bridges the gap between genomic data and clinical outcomes by providing a holistic view of how molecules interact with the complex biological landscape of a cell.