Latest Biotech News & Updates
Protein folding, molecule generation and AI-native drug pipelines. The lab bench is going computational.
172 articles
AI medical miracles face 'Theranos' skepticism
Recent viral stories of individuals using AI to 'hand-craft' vaccines or medical apps are being scrutinized as potential 'Theranos-style' scams. Experts warn that these anecdotes often exaggerate AI's role and ignore the complexity of medical science.
Scientists create first autonomous synthetic life form SpudCell
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed SpudCell, the first synthetic life form capable of autonomous feeding, growth, and reproduction. The organism is built from approximately 200 basic molecules and mimics the simplicity of natural bacteria.
In-vivo CAR-T Emerges as Next-Gen Cell Therapy
In-vivo CAR-T therapy is gaining momentum as a cost-effective alternative to traditional ex-vivo CAR-T, allowing for direct gene delivery via injection. Major biotech firms are shifting focus to this industrial-scale approach to overcome high costs and long production cycles.
mRNA Vaccines Evolve to Outpace Cancer Mutations
Researchers are developing 'evolutionary mRNA therapies' that use circulating tumor cells to dynamically update vaccine targets, effectively turning the immune system against evolving cancer cells.
Isomorphic Labs Secures Record AI Drug Funding
Isomorphic Labs has secured a massive 14.3 billion RMB funding round. The company aims to revolutionize drug discovery through a paradigm shift in AI-driven biological research.
CancerVax validates multi-epitope smart mRNA platform in vitro
CancerVax has completed the design and in vitro validation of a multi-epitope 'smart' mRNA platform. By leveraging pre-existing immunity to common viruses, the platform aims to redirect T-cells to attack cancer cells, achieving a theoretical 99.5% global population coverage.
China completes first commercial brain-computer interface implant
China has successfully performed its first commercial invasive brain-computer interface surgery on a patient with spinal cord injury. This milestone signals a significant advancement in the country's neurotechnology sector, positioning it as a direct competitor to Neuralink.
China's Pharma Industry Pivots to AI-Driven Drug Discovery
Following a record-breaking US$110 billion in cross-border drug deals, China's pharmaceutical sector is shifting focus toward AI-powered drug candidates. China currently ranks second globally in new drug development, accounting for 30% of the worldwide pipeline.
Xu Jinbo's team launches MoleculeOS for AI drug discovery
MoleculeOS, developed by Xu Jinbo's team, is officially released as an operating system designed to orchestrate AI-driven biological research workflows. It aims to transform AI from a simple tool into the central organizer of the drug discovery process.
British Startup Launches Space-Based Longevity Research Lab
A British space startup has launched an orbital lab to collect data for AI models. The research focuses on predicting protein behavior related to age-related diseases like Alzheimerโs.
Wujin Fangzhou Develops AI-Driven Anti-Aging Drugs
Wujin Fangzhou is using AI to identify conserved aging targets across species, starting with pet clinical trials to accelerate human drug development. Their H2P platform uses transfer learning to align gene expression data.
YaoSu Tech Raises 200M RMB for AI Bio-Platform
YaoSu Tech has secured nearly 200 million RMB in A+ funding to advance its '3D Bio Intelligence' platform. The funds will support AI model development, high-throughput automation, and the creation of virtual cell and biological world models.
Google Cloud Adds Specialist AI for Scientific Research
Google Cloud is integrating specialist AI models from SandboxAQ to accelerate research in drug discovery, materials science, and semiconductor manufacturing. This partnership expands enterprise access to high-performance scientific AI tools.
Paradromics implants first brain-computer interface in patient
Paradromics has successfully implanted its Connexus brain-computer interface into its first clinical study participant. This move positions the company as a direct competitor to Neuralink in the neurotech space.
Cambridge successfully tests first AI-designed vaccine antigen
The University of Cambridge has successfully tested a vaccine featuring an antigen designed entirely by artificial intelligence. This marks a significant milestone as the first instance of a vaccine candidate developed exclusively through AI-driven design.
OpenAI introduces new capabilities to GPT-Rosalind for life sciences
GPT-Rosalind has received significant updates to enhance its utility in life sciences research. The model now features improved biological reasoning, medicinal chemistry expertise, and advanced genomics analysis tools.
Apoha exits stealth with $36M to model matter behavior
Apoha has emerged from stealth with $36M to build AI systems that predict how matter behaves in real-world conditions. The startup aims to solve failures in drug trials and food production by simulating complex physical interactions.
SiClink Raises Funds for Visual Reconstruction BCI Technology
Invasive BCI startup SiClink has secured seed and angel funding to advance its visual reconstruction technology. The company focuses on brain-computer interface solutions that aim to restore or interpret visual signals.
Insilico Partners to Build AI Longevity Model
Hong Kong-based Insilico Medicine is collaborating with a US partner to develop an AI model focused on human longevity. The firm aims to leverage AI for drug discovery and life extension research.
Scientists build first human heart bio-pacemaker organoid model
Researchers successfully created a human sinoatrial node organoid connected to cardiac nerve plexus organoids, enabling neural regulation of heartbeats in vitro. This model provides a new platform for studying hereditary arrhythmias and drug screening.
Novo Nordisk Partners with OpenAI for Drug Discovery
Novo Nordisk has entered a strategic partnership with OpenAI to leverage AI in the development of next-generation weight-loss medications. The collaboration aims to accelerate drug discovery processes through advanced machine learning models.
China's cell therapy regulation: From chaos to compliance
The implementation of the '818 Order' marks a turning point for China's cell and gene therapy industry, ending a decade of regulatory gray areas. The industry is shifting toward a dual-track system of medical technology and pharmaceutical regulation.
Isomorphic Labs Eyes $2B Raise
Isomorphic Labs, an AI-powered drug discovery company spun out of Alphabet's Google DeepMind, is in advanced discussions to raise over $2 billion in new funding. Sources familiar with the plan confirm the talks are progressing.
Baker's Review: AI Revolutionizes Protein Design
Nobel winner David Baker's Nature review charts de novo protein design evolution from physics-based to AI-generative methods like RFdiffusion and ProteinMPNN. Achievements include novel structures, assemblies, binders, and enzymes; future targets nanomachines for medicine and sustainability. First author joins Shenzhen Medical Academy.
Yaosu Tech Secures 200M RMB for AI Organ Chips
Yaosu Tech raised 200M RMB in Series A funding led by Guoshou Equity to integrate AI with organ-on-a-chip into drug development. FDA policies now support non-animal methods like organ chips and AI models, enabling real-world applications. The company partners with Sanofi, Pfizer for toxicity testing and advances personalized cancer treatment via clinical studies.
NVIDIA's Proteina-Complexa Designs Protein Binders
NVIDIA introduces Proteina-Complexa, a generative model for designing protein binders that target specific proteins or small molecules. It tackles the vast search space of amino acid sequences and 3D structures in developing protein-based therapies and catalysts. The model optimizes interactions for strong, specific binding.
Baidu-Backed BioMap Files for HK IPO
Baidu-backed BioMap Beijing Intelligent Technology Co. has confidentially filed for a Hong Kong IPO. The offering could raise a few hundred million dollars this year, per sources familiar with the matter.
FDA Approves First Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor for Cholesterol
Merck's Enlicitide (MK-0616) has been approved by the FDA as the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor, offering a convenient alternative to injectable antibody-based cholesterol treatments.
Face ID pioneer raises $52M for NeuroAI brain analysis
Hemispheric, a startup founded by a former Apple Face ID engineer, has emerged from stealth with $52M in funding. The company aims to use AI to analyze brain data as easily as a blood test.
AstraZeneca reacquires global rights for Sunvozertinib from Dizal
Dizal Pharmaceutical has transferred the global development and commercialization rights of its EGFR inhibitor Sunvozertinib back to its major shareholder, AstraZeneca, in a deal worth up to $1.5 billion.