AI and RNA genetic-medicine company Genetic Leap has announced a groundbreaking partnership with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly to develop innovative genetic medicine therapeutics. This collaboration builds upon a successful pilot program utilizing Genetic Leap’s RNA-targeted AI platform, which is designed to create oligonucleotide drugs tailored to Lilly’s chosen targets in key therapeutic areas.
As part of the agreement, Lilly will provide Genetic Leap with up to $409 million in upfront commercial, development, regulatory, and clinical payments, as well as tiered royalties. The companies believe that RNA plays a crucial role in regulating essential biological processes and has the potential to address diseases that traditional drugs have struggled to effectively target.
Dr. Bertrand Advance, CEO and founder of Genetic Leap, expressed excitement about the partnership with Lilly, highlighting their shared dedication to developing RNA medicines. He stated, “Our goal in developing the Genetic Leap AI platform is to expedite the creation of life-saving medications for patients, and this collaboration with Lilly’s experienced R&D team brings us closer to achieving that goal.”
This collaboration between Genetic Leap and Lilly is part of a larger trend in the healthcare industry. In a previous partnership with Astellas Pharma, Genetic Leap worked on developing RNA-targeted small molecule therapeutic candidates for an undisclosed oncology target. Additionally, Canadian startup Deep Genomics secured $180 million in Series C funding for its AI technology aimed at programming and prioritizing RNA therapeutics for genetic diseases. The company’s AI Workbench platform decodes the complexities of RNA biology to identify novel targets, mechanisms, and molecules that were previously inaccessible through traditional methods.
In conclusion, the partnership between Genetic Leap and Eli Lilly represents a significant step forward in the development of genetic medicine therapeutics. By combining AI technology with RNA-targeted approaches, these companies are poised to make substantial advancements in treating challenging diseases. This collaboration exemplifies the growing importance of leveraging cutting-edge technology to revolutionize healthcare and improve patient outcomes.
