- LabGenius secures £35M Series B funding for therapeutic antibody discovery
- LabGenius uses EVA™, a smart robotic platform, for antibody discovery
- Addressing on-target, off-tumour toxicity in therapeutic antibodies
- LabGenius utilizes Multi-Objective Bayesian Optimisation for antibody co-optimization
- Funding led by M Ventures, with new investors Octopus Ventures and LG Corp
LabGenius Secures £35M Series B Funding for Therapeutic Antibody Discovery
LabGenius, a cutting-edge drug discovery company specializing in the use of machine learning for the identification of novel therapeutic antibodies, has successfully concluded a £35 million Series B financing round. This significant investment brings LabGenius’ total funding to an impressive £58 million. At the heart of LabGenius’ operations is EVA™, an intelligent robotic platform that not only designs and conducts experiments but also learns from the outcomes. This sophisticated closed-loop discovery engine allows for the swift identification of high-performing antibodies with unconventional structures.
The Challenge of On-Target, Off-Tumour Toxicity
A critical issue in therapeutic antibody development is the potential for on-target, off-tumour toxicity. Therapeutic antibodies target specific diseased cells by binding to surface markers that are overexpressed. However, in cases like solid tumors, healthy cells may also exhibit these same markers. If a therapeutic antibody cannot differentiate between healthy and diseased cells with similar surface markers, it may lead to unintended harm to healthy tissues, known as on-target, off-tumour toxicity. This type of toxicity poses a significant obstacle for many therapeutic treatments in progress.
LabGenius tackles this challenge using a pioneering technology platform that employs Multi-Objective Bayesian Optimisation (MOBO), an active learning methodology. This approach enables the efficient co-optimization of antibodies across multiple crucial properties. Not only is LabGenius’ process more efficient than traditional methods, but it is also designed to be devoid of human bias, resulting in the creation of high-performing antibodies with unique designs.
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Investment and Strategic Partnerships
The recent Series B funding round was led by M Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Merck, a prominent science and technology company. Joining as new investors in this round are Octopus Ventures and LG Corp, alongside existing supporters Atomico, Kindred Capital, Lux Capital, and Obvious Ventures. The infusion of capital will allow LabGenius to expand the capabilities of its platform and advance a portfolio of multispecific antibodies towards clinical trials. The enhanced platform functionality will also facilitate the formation of strategic partnerships across various therapeutic modalities.
Dr. Oliver Hardick of M Ventures emphasized the potential of LabGenius’ machine learning-driven platform to rapidly optimize complex multispecific antibodies for disease-relevant assays and critical development assessments. Dr. James Field, LabGenius’ Chief Executive Officer, expressed his excitement about the company’s progress, highlighting the value in engineering intricate multispecific antibodies and the dedication of the team in achieving this milestone.
Future Outlook and Growth
With the new funding secured, LabGenius is poised to further develop its platform and advance its pipeline of multispecific antibodies. The company is focused on accelerating the development of both its technology platform and product pipeline. The formation of a new Board of Directors, with representatives from leading investors, underscores the strategic direction and support for LabGenius as it pushes towards clinical applications.
LabGenius’ success in securing substantial funding for its innovative antibody discovery platform signifies a significant milestone in the field of therapeutic antibody development. The company’s commitment to leveraging machine learning and advanced technologies to address key challenges in antibody engineering positions it as a frontrunner in the biopharmaceutical industry. As LabGenius continues to expand its capabilities and forge strategic partnerships, the potential for groundbreaking advancements in therapeutic antibody discovery appears promising.
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