open_in_newOriginal article
Google plans to release new ‘open’ AI models for drug discovery

Google plans to release new ‘open’ AI models for drug discovery

  • 18.03.2025 06:00
  • techcrunch.com
  • Keywords: AI, Drug Discovery, Google, Exscientia, DeepMind, Isomorphic, Eli Lilly, Novartis

Google announced new AI models called TxGemma for drug discovery, designed to predict therapy properties and improve development efficiency. The models aim to help researchers by understanding therapeutic entities like chemicals and proteins.

Alphabet NewsLLYsentiment_neutralNVSEFsentiment_neutral

Estimated market influence

Google

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Announced development of TxGemma AI models for drug discovery, aiming to make therapeutic drug development more efficient. Google's role is a major tech company leveraging AI in healthcare.

Exscientia

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Mentioned as a firm that has suffered in recent years despite promising AI advancements in drug discovery.

DeepMind

Neutralsentiment_neutral
Analyst rating: N/A

Their AI systems' accuracy for drug discovery was questioned, but specifics were not provided.

Isomorphic

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Expected to begin testing AI-designed drugs this year with partnerships in place. Indicates progress and investor interest.

Eli Lilly

Eli Lilly

Neutralsentiment_neutral
Analyst rating: Buy

Partnership mentioned but no specific impact stated.

Novartis

Novartis

Neutralsentiment_neutral
Analyst rating: Neutral

Partnership mentioned but no specific impact stated.

Context

Analysis of Google's New AI Models for Drug Discovery: TxGemma

Overview

  • Announcement Date: March 18, 2025
  • Event Location: Health-focused event in New York
  • AI Model Name: TxGemma

Key Features of TxGemma

  • Functionality:
    • Understands "regular text" and therapeutic structures (chemicals, molecules, proteins).
    • Predicts safety and effectiveness of potential therapies.
  • Release Date: Later this month.

Market Context

  • Development Motivation:
    • Aim to make drug discovery more efficient.
    • Collaboration with the research community.
  • Current AI Impact:
    • AI has not yet provided an immediate solution in lab settings.
  • Investment Trends:
    • Over 460 AI startups are working on drug discovery.
    • $60 billion invested in the space so far.

Competitive Landscape

  • AI Drug Discovery Companies:
    • Ex scientia and others have faced challenges.
  • Big Pharma Interest:
    • Companies like Eli Lilly, Novartis, and Isomorphic are collaborating with AI firms.
  • TxGemma's Position:
    • Competing in a growing market with high investor interest.

Strategic Considerations

  • Potential Use Cases:
    • Accelerating early R&D stages.
    • Predicting therapeutic properties.
  • Commercialization Uncertainty:
    • License terms for commercial use, customization, and fine-tuning are unclear.

Long-term Effects

  • Industry Impact:
    • Could revolutionize drug discovery by reducing time and costs.
  • Investor Sentiment:
    • High enthusiasm despite past challenges.

Regulatory Implications

  • Regulatory Landscape:
    • No specific mention of regulations, but potential long-term effects on regulatory frameworks.

This analysis highlights Google's strategic move into AI-driven drug discovery, emphasizing the potential to transform the industry while acknowledging existing challenges and uncertainties.