Generative AI is making significant strides in the life and health sciences sector, with new applications and developments emerging at a rapid pace. One of the key trends is the use of AI in protein design and engineering. Biotech start-up Cradle, for instance, recently raised $24 million in Series A funding to fast-track protein design using its AI-driven platform. The company's technology is not only speeding up the creation of enzymes, vaccines, and other biological products, but it's also addressing global health and environmental challenges. This development signifies a strategic expansion in the biotech sector, with Cradle's generative AI platform demonstrating its ability to double the pace of project progression compared to industry benchmarks.
In the realm of healthcare, Google has launched MedLM, a group of AI models specifically designed for the healthcare industry. These models are built on Med-PaLM 2, which achieved an impressive 85% accuracy on U.S. medical licensing exam questions, equating to an expert doctor level. The MedLM models are now available to U.S. Google Cloud customers, marking a significant step forward in the application of AI in healthcare. The models are designed to be used across the healthcare industry, from hospitals to patient-facing chatbots, and have already attracted significant attention for their innovative technology and potential to revolutionize healthcare.
Meanwhile, French pharmaceutical company Sanofi has partnered with medical start-up Aqemia in a deal valued at $140 million to advance in AI applied to health. The partnership will focus on developing and researching new therapeutic micromolecules through the use of generative AI and deep physics algorithms. This partnership not only signifies a commitment to digitalization but also highlights the potential of AI in transforming the pharmaceutical industry.
These developments underscore the transformative potential of generative AI in the life and health sciences sector. As AI continues to evolve and improve, it's clear that its applications in scientific research, laboratory science, and scientific equipment will only continue to expand. The future of life and health sciences is undoubtedly intertwined with the advancements in AI, and it's an exciting time to be part of this rapidly evolving field.
Blog sources:
- AI and Science: What 1,600 Researchers Think
- Google alums AI start-up raises $24 million for biotech work
- Sanofi: Agreement with Aqemia for $140M in Generative AI
- Google launches MedLM generative AI models for healthcare
