AI firm Profluent has announced a significant multi-program research collaboration with U.S. drugmaker Eli Lilly, valued at up to $2.25 billion. The partnership will focus on developing AI-designed enzymes for genetic medicines.
Profluent will leverage its artificial intelligence technology to create custom enzymes capable of making precise alterations to DNA. Eli Lilly secures exclusive rights to further develop selected enzymes and bring any resulting therapies to market.
Under the terms, Profluent receives an upfront payment and research funding, with potential milestone payments reaching $2.25 billion, plus future sales royalties. Financial specifics beyond this were not disclosed.
Genetic medicines aim to treat diseases by modifying genes or their functions. This collaboration targets difficult-to-treat diseases that current gene-editing tools, limited to small DNA changes, struggle with. Profluent's AI approach promises larger, more accurate DNA modifications, potentially enabling gene replacement rather than mere repair.