Former DeepMind Scientist Starts New Drug Discovery Firm
Launch of Latent Labs: A New Venture in AI-Driven Drug Discovery
Overview of Latent Labs
Dr. Simon Kohl, a former scientist at Google’s DeepMind, has embarked on an exciting new journey by founding Latent Labs in 2023. This innovative company focuses on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for drug discovery. With an impressive $50 million in startup funding, which includes a $40 million Series A round co-led by Radical Ventures and Sofinnova Partners, Latent Labs is poised to make an impact in the biopharma industry.
The Role of AI in Drug Discovery
Latent Labs aims to leverage generative AI (GenAI) technologies to enhance the predictive capabilities established by AlphaFold2, a platform that has revolutionized protein structure prediction. This advancement has garnered significant recognition, including a Nobel Prize for its project leads, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper.
The primary goal of Latent Labs is to apply this cutting-edge technology to develop new protein-based therapeutics. By utilizing generative protein design, the company strives to assist researchers in creating novel therapeutic molecules, such as antibodies and enzymes, with improved characteristics like enhanced binding affinity and stability.
Unique Positioning in the Industry
Latent Labs distinguishes itself by positioning itself as a service provider within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Unlike other startups, such as Isomorphic Labs, which is also derived from the DeepMind team, Latent Labs does not intend to develop its own therapeutics. Isomorphic Labs is focused on a broader spectrum of therapies, collaborating with pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and Novartis in deals worth nearly $3 billion.
Dr. Kohl noted in a recent LinkedIn post that many biotech and pharmaceutical companies are eager to discover the most effective therapeutic molecules and understand the importance of AI in achieving these goals. However, not all of them have the resources or capacity to develop advanced AI models. Latent Labs is here to help bridge that gap.
Advancements in Personalized Medicine
By unlocking previously challenging drug targets, Latent Labs aims to pave the way for new avenues in personalized medicine. Personalized medicine refers to tailored treatment plans based on an individual’s unique genetic makeup and other factors. Latent Labs believes its platform can significantly contribute to this growing field, enabling more effective and individualized therapies for patients.
Team Composition and Expertise
The success of Latent Labs is supported by a talented team, many of whom come from DeepMind and other notable organizations in the technology and biotech fields. Members have expertise in AI for drug discovery, genomics, and machine learning, having previously worked at companies such as Exscientia, Zymergen, and Altos Labs.
Supporting Investors
In addition to Radical Ventures and Sofinnova Partners, Latent Labs has attracted investments from several notable entities. These include Flying Fish, Isomer, Google’s chief scientist Jeff Dean, and existing investors such as 8VC, Kindred Capital, and Pillar VC. This diverse investment background highlights the trust and confidence that the venture community has in Latent Labs’ vision and potential.
Future Implications
Dr. Kohl expressed his belief in the transformative power of protein design in medicine and scientific discovery. He is confident that Latent Labs will play a key role in realizing the full potential of this technology, contributing to the advancement of drug discovery processes. The landscape of biopharma continues to evolve, and with companies like Latent Labs leading the charge, the future holds exciting possibilities for novel therapeutic developments driven by AI innovations.
