Artificial intelligence is disrupting drug discovery.
The latest: OpenAI and longevity startup Retro Biosciences created an AI model for cellular reprogramming, the act of converting aging cells to younger, healthier versions (aka stem cells).
Optimizing AI-powered protein engineering, the GPT-4b model improves cellular rejuvenation efficiency by 50x.
Long game. Benefiting anti-aging science and his portfolio, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman previously invested $180M into Retro, laying the groundwork for the partnership.
Smart drugs. AI partnerships are shaking up drug development.
- Venture firm a16z and pharma giant Eli Lilly launched a $500M AI x biotech fund.
- Chipmaker NVIDIA teamed with IQVIA, Illumina, and Mayo Clinic for AI-powered genomics research.
- Novo Nordisk expanded its AI drug discovery partnership with Valo Health, targeting obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
Seeking a competitive edge, the surge of tech-pharma alliances aims to slash long, expensive drug development cycles while ushering in a new era of personalized therapeutics.
Punchline: As artificial intelligence reshapes life as we know it, the marriage of Big Tech and biotech promises to treat disease until it can cure death, raising ethical questions along the way.
