BioMap Establishes a Strategic Collaboration with Sanofi to Co-Develop AI Modules to Accelerate Drug Discovery for Biotherapeutics

2023-10-10

-BioMap’s AI drug discovery platform integrates foundational large language models and super-scale computing with cutting-edge biotechnology to discover novel targets and design biologics through a deep understanding of proteins-

-As part of the collaboration, BioMap will receive an upfront payment of $10 million, near-term model development payments, and R&D and sales milestones associated with certain products, with a total potential deal value of over $1 billion-

MENLO PARK, Calif. -- BioMap announced today a groundbreaking strategic collaboration with Sanofi to co-develop cutting-edge AI modules for biotherapeutic drug discovery leveraging BioMaps AI platform.

As the largest foundational model-based approach within life sciences, we are thrilled to collaborate with Sanofi and leverage the potential of BioMaps cutting-edge AI engine to help solve complex problems associated with new protein therapies to drive drug discovery, said BioMaps Chief Technology Officer, Le Song. We have built what is essentially a biological map of proteins using data sets from public and private sources to inform our foundational models. Utilizing automation and integrated workflows to enhance the collection of high-quality data, we can catalyze the process of new hit discovery and lead optimization.

Traditional AI methods require vast amounts of labeled data to make accurate predictions. However, in life science, labeled data are often in short supply. BioMaps foundational models are revolutionizing AI in biology by enabling one large model, trained on ubiquitous unlabeled data, to inform multiple downstream task models. This approach enables superior prediction from limited data in a range of therapeutic areas, including immunology, neurology, oncology, and rare diseases. 

Leveraging BioMaps custom-built foundational models and world-leading AI expertise, as well as Sanofis proprietary data, computational innovations in protein engineering, and deep biologics development experience, both parties aim to create advanced AI models and protein Large Language Models that will enable biologics design and multiparametric optimization.

By combining Sanofis proprietary data sets, digital infrastructure, AI and data science capabilities, and drug development expertise with BioMaps protein Large Language Models, high-performance computing, and deep understanding of AI, we can optimize the process of discovery and development of breakthrough biotherapeutics, said Matt Truppo, Global Head of Research Platforms at Sanofi. Our collaboration with BioMap further underscores Sanofis commitment to becoming the first pharma company powered by artificial intelligence at scale.

Under the terms of the agreement, BioMap will receive an upfront cash payment and near-term payments for reaching module development milestones from Sanofi. BioMap will be eligible to receive payments of over $1 billion based on achievement of pre-clinical development, clinical development, regulatory, and commercial milestones.

About BioMap 

Founded in 2020 by Robin Li and Wei Liu, BioMap is a disruptive life science AI company responsible for building xTrimo, the first and largest protein-centric large language model platform. Their technology allows scientists to model life more accurately, from proteins to a system level, and extract novel insights and predictions from limited data. Supported by an international, cross-functional team of over 300 experts, BioMap is solving critical, protein-related drug development problems and charting a course to radically improve patients lives.

For more information about BioMap, please visit: www.biomap.com.