LabGenius, a London-based biotechnology firm, leverages machine learning to develop therapeutic antibodies. Recently, the company completed a £35 million Series B funding round, significantly boosting its financial capabilities. This new funding milestone will enable LabGenius to further enhance its technology platform and advance its clinical pipeline, promising innovative solutions for complex medical challenges.
Founded in 2012, LabGenius integrates advanced machine learning with synthetic biology to create novel therapeutic antibodies. The company utilizes EVA™, a sophisticated robotic system that designs, executes, and learns from its own experiments. This innovative approach aims to identify high-performing antibodies more efficiently and accurately than traditional methods.
Investment Highlights
M Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Merck, led the Series B funding round, with participation from new investors such as Octopus Ventures and LG Corp. Existing backers, including Atomico, Kindred Capital, Lux Capital, and Obvious Ventures, also joined. These funds will be crucial in expanding LabGenius’ platform capabilities and pushing its multispecific antibodies pipeline toward clinical trials.
Technological Advancements
LabGenius employs Multi-Objective Bayesian Optimisation (MOBO) to improve antibodies across several critical properties. This method is not only more efficient but also eliminates human bias, resulting in high-performing antibodies with unique designs. The company aims to tackle on-target, off-tumour toxicity, a significant issue where antibodies may harm healthy cells expressing the same markers as diseased ones.
Leadership and Board Formation
As part of the funding round, Oliver Hardick from M Ventures and Oliver Sims from Octopus Ventures joined LabGenius’ Board of Directors. They will collaborate with existing directors to steer the company toward its ambitious goals. This strengthened leadership is expected to accelerate the development and clinical application of LabGenius’ pioneering antibody technology.
Context and Prior Developments
Previous funding rounds for LabGenius highlighted its rapid technological advancements and growing interest from investors. Compared to earlier investments, the recent Series B round brings diversified investor support, reflecting increased confidence in LabGenius’ platform. This progression underscores the company’s commitment to overcoming significant therapeutic challenges through machine learning-driven innovations.
Key Takeaways
• LabGenius integrates advanced machine learning techniques to develop novel therapeutic antibodies.
• The company’s MOBO technology aims to resolve on-target, off-tumour toxicity issues.
• Recent £35 million Series B funding will expand platform capabilities and advance clinical pipelines.
LabGenius’ recent funding success marks a significant step toward addressing complex medical challenges through innovative machine learning applications. The company’s unique approach, utilizing EVA™ for autonomous experimentations, sets it apart in the biotech industry. Enhanced by new investments and a robust leadership team, LabGenius is well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to therapeutic antibody research and development. The focus on eliminating on-target, off-tumour toxicity could lead to safer and more effective treatments, underscoring the potential impact of this cutting-edge technology on future medical therapies.
