Samsung invests in AI biotech to tackle cancer and more

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Published 20 Dec 2024

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Samsung is diving deeper into the world of generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) with a strategic investment in Generate:Biomedicines, a biotech company renowned for using cutting-edge AI to design new proteins. This was announced on December 18.

At the heart of Generate:Biomedicines’ innovation is Chroma. This platform uses AI and machine learning to create proteins from the ground up. The company approaches biotech with a”de novo” protein design, which in Latin means ‘from the beginning’ or ‘newly.’ This technique allows the development of treatments for complex diseases like cancer, immune disorders, and infectious diseases more efficiently than ever before.

“With the support of key partners like Samsung, we will continue to advance our platform, generate high-quality data, and tackle critical challenges in human health,” said Mike Nally, CEO of Generate:Biomedicines. “In addition to our current clinical programs, we plan to launch three to six additional clinical programs over the next 18 months, transforming technological possibilities into tangible results.”

The Samsung Life Science Fund is a joint investment by Samsung C&T, Samsung Biologics, and Samsung Bioepis, which are managed by  Samsung Ventures. The fund has a total capital of KRW 240 billion (around $165.5 million) dedicated to supporting groundbreaking biotech ventures. Earlier projects funded by the program include companies like Jaguar Gene Therapy and Araris Biotech, showcasing a focus on groundbreaking advancements in healthcare.

The fund has a total capital of KRW 240 billion (around $165.5 million) dedicated to supporting groundbreaking biotech ventures. Previous investments by the fund showcase a diverse and forward-thinking portfolio with companies like Jaguar Gene Therapy and Araris Biotech.

“We have recognized Generate Biomedicine’s potential to develop groundbreaking treatments,” said John Rim, CEO of Samsung Biologics. “We look forward to leveraging their expertise in AI and machine learning to build a collaborative ecosystem in development, manufacturing, and R&D, advancing the next-generation pharmaceuticals that our customers need.”

Samsung’s partnership with Generate:Biomedicines is part of a larger trend where tech giants are entering the life sciences sector. This trend takes advantage of genAI’s ability to rapidly prototype and test therapeutic solutions. A recent survey found that 62% of healthcare and life sciences executives have already implemented genAI use cases.

Combining AI-driven protein design with Samsung’s manufacturing could revolutionize drug development, speeding discovery and offering solutions for once-untreatable diseases. As Samsung’s Life Science Fund expands its portfolio, this partnership signals a future where technology and medicine converge to create breakthroughs once thought impossible.