Latest News on TechBio Revolution
MetaphysicalCells: A newsletter about Science, Technology and AI Drug Discovery
Welcome back to another free edition of MetaphysicalCells 🪐🛸
Top 5 AI & Digital Biotech Companies (2025) By Securities IO
According Securities.io the Top 🔝 5 AI & Digital Biotech Companies (March 2025) are:
1. 🎩 Roivant Sciences Ltd. (ROIV +0.38%)
Does Roivant (ROIV) Offer an Attractive Risk Reward Opportunity?
2. 🎩 Schrödinger, Inc. (SDGR -0.14%)
Schrodinger Officer Sells Shares to Cover Tax Liability
Schrodinger Inc (SDGR) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Software Growth Amidst Revenue
3. 🎩 Exscientia plc (EXAI +0%)
4. 🎩 Absci Corporation (ABSI +0.65%)
Absci Announces Inducement Grant Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)
Absci Corporation to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results on March 18, 2025
5. 🎩 e-therapeutics plc
Key Partnerships & Collaborations 🤝
Lisata Therapeutics & GATC Health: partnered to apply AI to pancreatic cancer drug development, aiming to demonstrate AI's transformative potential in oncology (Lisata Therapeutics and GATC Health Consummate First Step Can AI Revolutionize Lisata's Pancreatic Cancer Drug? New GATC Health Partnership Aims to Prove It). Lisata Therapeutics (NASDAQ: LSTA) is a biotech firm specializing in oncology, with a focus on pancreatic cancer, a disease known for its poor prognosis and limited treatment options while GATC Health is leveraging its AI-driven computational platform (The Multiomics Advanced Technology ™, MAT platform, that combines neural networks and ML) to accelerate drug discovery and development. This strategic collaboration leverages GATC's proprietary MAT™ platform to potentially derisk and accelerate Lisata's drug development process, particularly for certepetide, their Phase 3 candidate for metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
IDEAYA Biosciences & ATTMOS: just announced they are collaborating to accelerate AI/ML-enabled discovery of first-in-class oncology targets (IDEAYA Biosciences Announces Collaboration with ATTMOS to Accelerate AI/ML-Enabled Drug Discovery for Unprecedented First-in-Class Oncology Targets). IDEAYA Biosciences (NASDAQ: IDYA) is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on precision oncology, with expertise in synthetic lethality, immuno-oncology, and targeted therapies. ATTMOS Discovery is a computational/AI-driven platform. The collaboration will integrate IDEAYA's differentiated and proven capabilities in structural biology and pharmaceutical drug discovery with ATTMOS's capabilities in computational chemistry method development, high performance computing, and software development. ATTMOS was founded in early 2022 by a diverse team of academics from Michigan State, Rutgers and UC San Diego, and its mission is to bring novel technologies into the drug discovery process through a synergy between industry and academia and make this technology affordable and available to everybody.
Renovaro & Predictive Oncology: are teaming up for AI-driven drug discovery focused on cancer and HIV treatments (Renovaro (RENB) and Predictive Oncology Partner for AI-Driven Drug Discovery: What’s Next for Cancer and HIV Treatments?). Renovaro Biosciences (NASDAQ: RENB), is a TechBio leader focused on next-generation diagnostics, drug discovery, and genetically enhanced cancer therapies. Predictive Oncology (NASDAQ: POAI) is using AI for drug repurposing and so far the company’s platform has successfully identified potential new uses for existing drugs, offering cost-effective solutions for treating various cancers. By adding Predictive’s AI-driven drug discovery platform, vast biobank of more than 150,000 patient tumor samples, 200,000 pathology slides and decades of longitudinal drug response data to Renovaro’s multi-disciplinary AI, multi-omic and multi-modal data expertise, the combined company will be positioned to commercialize its drug discovery and diagnostic platforms.
Moreover, Renovaro and BioSymetrics have also just announced a definitive merger. The combined 🪢 entity aims to leverage advanced analytics and AI capabilities to accelerate drug discovery and development, offering more robust solutions for pharmaceutical companies (Renovaro and BioSymetrics Announce Definitive Merger). This transformative partnership is designed to enhance Renovaro’s data repository, biomarker discovery capabilities, accelerate translational research, and bring precision medicine solutions to cancer and other critical disease areas.
At the core of this collaboration is BioSymetrics’ proprietary Elion platform, a cutting-edge AI and ML engine that uncovers complex biological relationships to accelerate the discovery of diagnostics and therapeutics. By integrating Elion into Renovaro’s workflow, the combined entity aims to streamline the translation of biomarker insights into accelerated discovery timelines, enhancing precision in target identification and improving overall research efficiency, ultimately enabling faster and more effective drug discovery and therapeutic development.
AION Labs & BioMed X: are launching a global call for generative AI solutions to identify novel target combinations in drug discovery (AION Labs, In Continued Partnership with BioMed X, Launches 2025 Global Call for Applications: Generative AI for Novel Target Combinations). In particular, AION Labs, the first-of-its-kind venture studio spearheading the adoption of AI technologies and computational science to solve therapeutic challenges, and German independent research institute BioMed X, an independent research organization at the University of Heidelberg, Germany combining the best of academia and industry, announced the launch of a global call for applications to identify scientific founders, computational biologists, biomedical scientists, and AI experts to form a new startup at AION Labs' headquarters in Rehovot, Israel.
🗣️ Cosmica Biosciences (pre-seed, longevity) is leveraging space 🌌 biology to develop treatments for age-related diseases.
🗣️ Stilla Technologies (Series C) is a leading global biotechnology company that focuses on accelerating development of next-generation genetic testing by providing researchers and clinicians with a flexible Digital PCR solution for high-resolution genetic analysis and assay development. Stilla’s next-generation Multiplex Crystal Digital PCR™ technology employs cutting-edge microfluidic innovations and integrates the entire dPCR process on a single chip. The naica® system is highly sensitive, fast, and features an easy workflow, higher levels of multiplexing, and intuitive software.
🗣️ Future Medicine AI is an open access, peer-reviewed journal committed to advancing the application of AI in medicine.
AI Technology Breakthroughs and Applications 👏
Insilico Medicine: just deployed the first bipedal humanoid AI scientist in a robotic lab, enhancing automation in drug discovery (Insilico Medicine deploys the first bipedal humanoid AI scientist in the fully-robotic drug discovery laboratory).
Insilico Medicine: recently announced that its breakthrough drug candidate for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), Rentosertib (formerly known as ISM001-055), has been granted an official generic name by the United States Adopted Names (USAN) Council. Rentosertib stands as the first investigational drug in which both the biological target and the therapeutic compound were discovered using generative AI (Insilico Medicine's AI-driven drug Rentosertib receives official generic name). This marks a notable milestone, as it is one of the first AI-discovered drugs to receive a generic name, highlighting the growing role of AI in pharmaceutical development. Insilico Medicine is a global leader in the field of AI-driven drug discovery and aging research. Insilico Medicine uses AI algorithms (Pandomics, Chemistry42, InSilicoBio, Aging.AI) to predict molecular properties, design new compounds, and identify potential drug candidates for various diseases.
Nona Biosciences: announced the integration of AI into its fully human antibody platform to accelerate antibody discovery across therapeutic areas (Nona Biosciences Integrates Cutting-Edge AI Technology to Enhance Its Fully Human Antibody Platform, Accelerating Antibody Discovery Across Key Therapeutic Areas). Nona Biosciences is a global biotechnology company offering integrated antibody discovery services that range from antigen preparation, animal immunization, single B cell screening, to antibody lead generation and engineering, developability assessment and pharmacological evaluation, leveraging the advantages of Harbour Mice® platforms and the experienced therapeutic antibody discovery team.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): new AI models (such as Meta-DEP, a newly proposed algorithm) are unlocking active compounds from TCM, bridging ancient practices with modern drug design (New AI Model Transforms Discovery Of Active Compounds From Traditional Chinese Medicine). The integration of AI into TCM ⛩️ is revolutionizing how we discover and validate active compounds from ancient herbal remedies, creating a powerful bridge between empirical wisdom and cutting-edge science. In particular, AI models—specifically ML and DL—are now:
Decoding TCM's Complexity with AI by: Analyzing vast herbal databases (e.g., Ben Cao Gang Mu ), Predicting synergistic effects (e.g., Fufang formulations), and Mapping molecular pathways. Tools like AlphaFold or molecular docking simulations identify how TCM-derived compounds bind to proteins linked to diseases (e.g., cancer, inflammation).
Accelerating Drug Discovery: Researchers used AI to isolate baicalein and wogonin, compounds with anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, now in preclinical trials (Huang Qin, Scutellaria baicalensis).
Validating Traditional Knowledge: AI maps how TCM compounds target multiple pathways (e.g., ginsenosides in Ren Shen modulating immune and metabolic pathways) (Network pharmacology). AI can also identify patient subgroups most likely to benefit from TCM-based therapies, improving trial design (Clinical trial optimization).
Ataccama & Dotmatics: were highlighted as leaders in data-driven AI platforms for drug discovery (featured in "Top 5 AI & Digital Biotech Companies") (Data-Driven Revolution: How Ataccama and Dotmatics are Shaping the Future of AI and Drug Discovery). Dotmatics (US, founded in 2005 in the UK) is the global leader in R&D scientific software that connects science, data and decision-making. Combining a workflow and data platform with best-of-breed applications, they offer true end-to-end solutions for biology, chemistry, formulations, data management, flow cytometry and more. Their platform Luma—a Data Management Cloud—connects all your R&D data in one place and connects all your instrument data. Recently (Boston, April 11, 2024), they announced the launch of Luma Lab Connect, which unlocks the untapped value of Lab Instrument Data to accelerate scientific R&D decision-making. Ataccama Corporation is an international software company that prides itself in delivering cutting-edge technology used for data quality, master data management, data governance, and big data, for leading financial, commercial, and government organizations.
MindRank: FDA has just cleared the company's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for MRANK-106, a first-in-class, orally available dual inhibitor of WEE1 and YES1 kinases, for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer (Dual WEE1/YES1 Kinase Inhibitor MRANK-106 Secures FDA IND). MindRank (2021) is a top AI-driven biotech company in China with focus on “undruggable” targets, with R&D centers in China and UK, that in 2021 was Invited to Join the “NVIDIA Startup Acceleration Program”. Its AI platform consists of Molecule Pro (A molecule design and generation platform), Molecule Dance (A molecular dynamics platform to simulate protein movements) and PharmKG (A biomedical knowledge graph to assist drug discovery). For more about MindRank.
CDK12/13 Inhibitors: AI-designed inhibitors targeting resistant cancers showcase precision in oncology (AI-designed CDK12/13 inhibitors target resistant cancers). Insilico Medicine’s AI-designed CDK12/13 inhibitors show promise against treatment-resistant cancers. The company’s latest study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, details the discovery of a novel series of orally available covalent CDK12/13 dual inhibitors, designed to combat refractory and treatment-resistant cancers.
Longevity: Longr has announced the launch of The Longevity AI, a new, free application available for iOS and Android that leverages ML and biometric AI to deliver individualized health insights. The platform processes extensive biometric data, dietary habits and activity patterns to generate tailored longevity recommendations. (Longr launches The Longevity AI app). Longr: Building Access to Longevity is the first AI powered wearable system to refine millions of unique longevity signals into actionable personal coaching, working seamlessly with The Longevity AI.
Predictive Genetics: novel AI tools can forecast genetic mutations before they occur, enabling proactive therapeutic strategies (This AI can predict genetic mutations before they happen). A recent study led by Menghua Wu (MIT), Russell Littman, Jacob Levine, David Richmond, Tommaso Biancalani, Jan-Christian Hütter (Genentech), and Lin Qiu (Meta AI) proposes a new approach, PERTURBQA, a benchmark designed to align AI-driven perturbation models with real biological decision-making.
⛑️🧯 Unfortunately, IridescentBio closed down.
IridescentBio (The Netherlands) was blending physics and chemistry based predictive modeling with rigorous analytics for antibody hit screening, AI training and antibody patent analysis.
Funding & Grants 💰
BioLizard: awarded a VLAIO grant to advance AI-powered biomedical solutions for faster drug development (BioLizard Awarded Grant from VLAIO to Advance AI-Powered Biomedical Solution for Accelerated Drug Development). BioLizard, a leading bioinformatics, data analytics and data engineering consulting company driving digital transformation in the life sciences industry, has been awarded a grant from Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) to develop an AI-powered biomedical knowledge discovery software solution that will be part of BioLizard’s Bio|Verse suite.
AI autonomy in Europe: a €240M project has been launched to promote HPC and AI autonomy in Europe (Europe, Seeking HPC and AI Autonomy, Launches €240M DARE Project). The Digital Autonomy with RISC-V in Europe, Special Agreement 1 (DARE SGA1) project marks a significant milestone in Europe’s journey toward technological autonomy in high-performance computing (HPC) and AI. Coordinated by Barcelona Supercomputing Center-Centro Nacional de Supercomputación (BSC-CNS) and supported by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking and the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, DARE brings together 38 leading partners across Europe to develop cutting-edge European-designed supercomputing technology for research and industry.
Market & Strategic Moves 💹
Quantum Computing: Palantir Technologies is integrating quantum computing with AI, signaling a push for next-gen computational drug design (Palantir Technologies: Pioneering Quantum Computing and AI Integration).
Cipla’s Vision: CEO discusses leveraging AI for innovation in obesity drugs and beyond, reflecting broader industry adoption (Corner Office Conversation: Cipla CEO on Innovation, Obesity Drugs, AI and more). Cipla Limited (CIPLA NSE) is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Mumbai that primarily focuses on developing medication to treat respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes, depression, paediatric and various other medical conditions.
Investor Insights 🕵️
Absci Corp (ABSI): recent stock movements highlight market interest in AI-driven biotech firms (ABSI - Absci Corp Latest Stock News & Market Updates).
Recursion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: RXRX): investors looking for an exciting clinical-stage biotech start-up with enormous potential should be paying close attention to Recursion (4 Things You Need to Know if You Buy Recursion Pharmaceuticals Stock Today).
Top 10 AI Startups by Analytics Insights (2025)
Among the Top 10 AI Startups Revolutionizing 2025 (companies like CounterCraft, Justpoint, DeepSeek, Figures AI, Mistral AI, Anthropic, Scale AI, Hugging Face and Perplexity AI) you can find first ranked: 🫴 Latent Labs for AI-Driven Drug Discovery.
Latent Labs emerged from stealth on February 13, 2025 with $50M in total funding (Latent Labs emerges from stealth to accelerate drug discovery). The funding included a $40M Series A raise co-led by Radical Ventures and Sofinnova Partners, with the participation of Flying Fish, Isomer, as well as its existing investors 8VC, Kindred Capital and Pillar VC. Angel investors including Google’s chief scientist Jeff Dean, AI company Cohere’s founder Aidan Gomez and ElevenLabs founder Mati Staniszewski also took part in the funding round.
The start-up that was founded in 2023 by Dr Simon Kohl (a former co-lead at Google DeepMind’s protein design team as well as a senior research scientist on DeepMind’s AlphaFold2) is embarking on a new era of computational mastery over biology and its biggest impact will be in empowering others with Latent’s AI models, creating new antibodies, optimizing existing enzymes and advancing genetic engineering.
DeepMind's AlphaFold solved the decades-old problems of protein structure prediction and showcased how ML can help us understand biology; now, the opportunity lies in advancing and applying the latest generative techniques to design proteins from scratch. Latent Labs’ platform does just that: by empowering researchers to computationally create new therapeutic molecules, such as antibodies or enzymes, the AI lab will help partners unlock previously challenging targets and open new paths to personalized medicines.
🗣️ Synapse Medicine is an AI platform that provides AI-powered solutions to optimize drug regimens and enhance patient safety.
🗣️ HealthBeacon is a medical adherence technology company developing smart tools for managing medication.
🗣️ MedEye works as a second nurse - helping nurses figure out what medication patients are supposed to receive.