Eli Lilly partners with AI-focused Genetic Leap to develop RNA-based drugs
U.S. drugmaker Eli Lilly has signed a research deal with privately held AI-focused firm Genetic Leap to develop genetic medicines. Major drugmakers have been experimenting with artificial intelligence to discover new drugs, find patients for clinical trials, and reduce the number of people needed to test medicines. Lilly signed a partnership with an AI startup in June to develop antimicrobials that can be used to treat drug-resistant bacteria.
Through the agreement, Lilly would have access to Genetic Leap's exclusive AI platform for the creation of RNA-based medications. Over 25 percent of the therapeutic candidates being developed at Lilly are genetic therapies, which aim to treat the underlying genetic etiology of an illness. Genetic Leap would get tiered royalties as well as upfront and milestone payments totaling up to USD 409 million as part of the agreement.
Numerous biotechnology companies are attempting to stop genes that produce disease-causing proteins by manipulating RNA, a genetic messenger. Sanofi, a French pharmaceutical company, also announced in May that it will work with OpenAI to create AI models for its drug research initiatives.
