Isomorphic Labs, a digital biology company that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to redefine drug discovery, has announced a strategic research collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company, a global pharmaceutical corporation. This partnership represents Isomorphic Labs’ first venture into the pharmaceutical industry.
Under the terms of the agreement, Isomorphic Labs will collaborate with Lilly in the search for small molecule therapeutics aimed at multiple targets, and will receive an initial cash payment of $45 million. Additionally, Isomorphic Labs stands to gain up to $1.7 billion in milestone payments based on performance, excluding the upfront payment, as well as possible tiered royalties of up to low double digits on net sales.
CEO and founder of Isomorphic Labs, Demis Hassabis, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, We’re thrilled to embark on this partnership and apply our proprietary technology platform, the next generation of AlphaFold, and access to massive computing power to Lilly’s development programs. Hassabis highlighted the shared focus on innovative drug design approaches and a mutual appreciation for cutting-edge science as reasons behind the partnership’s appeal.
Operating independently under Alphabet, Isomorphic Labs is devoted exclusively to the integration of AI in drug discovery. By employing an AI-first approach, the company seeks to revolutionize the entire drug discovery process, creating powerful new models that anticipate the performance of drugs and enable the design of novel molecules.
Isomorphic Labs has achieved significant progress in developing the Next Generation of AlphaFold, building on the success of its predecessor, AlphaFold. Initially recognized as the ‘Breakthrough of the Year’ by Science and ‘Method of the Year’ by Nature in 2021, AlphaFold focused on protein folding. The new iteration expands its capabilities to include small molecules and nucleic acids. By integrating this advanced technology with other breakthrough AI models developed at Isomorphic Labs, the company aims to better understand the underlying mechanisms of drug targets and drive the rational design of innovative therapeutics.
Isomorphic Labs, headed by AI pioneer Demis Hassabis, is located in London and has established a second location in Lausanne, Switzerland. The company is driven by its mission to leverage AI to accelerate drug discovery and find cures for some of the world’s most devastating diseases. With an AI-first approach and dedication to advancements in medical breakthroughs, Isomorphic Labs aims to usher in a new era of scientific progress.
For more information about Isomorphic Labs, visit their website at www.isomorphiclabs.com.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice. Please consult with a professional before making any investment decisions or starting any medical treatments.
