Atomwise

Atomwise uses a deep convolutional neural network (a deep learning tool used in facial recognition and self-driving cars) for drug discovery and design. The company claims it is the first in the sector to use this technology. 

Atomwise’s platform, AtomNet, leverages deep convolutional neural networks for structure-based drug discovery. It self-learns the organic chemistry behind the binding profiles and patterns and is capable of identifying hit compounds 10,000x faster than traditional physical screening and 100x faster than ultra-high-throughput screening. The platform can also reportedly screen more than 16 billion compounds in less than two days. Originally focusing on using machine learning to predict binding profiles for small molecules, the company expanded its focus to applying deep learning AI technology across all stages of preclinical drug discovery.

As of February 2024, AtomNet reported a 74% success rate across 120 projects in identifying viable drug candidates. The company’s key therapeutic focus is on immunology and oncology and had six wholly-owned programs as of February 2024, of which one had reached the IND-enabling stage. 

Key customers and partnerships

Atomwise has formed over 250 partnerships globally as part of its Artificial Intelligence Molecular Screen (AIMS) program with top universities and research institutes around the world​. 

The company has forged partnerships with Big Pharma companies to offer its AtomNet platform: 1) USD 1.2 billion deal with Sanofi (August 2022) to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics across various disease areas and 2) USD 560 million agreement with Eli Lilly (June 2019) to develop up to 10 drug targets chosen by Eli Lilly. 

Other partnerships included Enamine Ltd (June 2019) to conduct the world’s first and largest screening of 10 billion compounds to unearth novel leads to treat pediatric cancers, and Hansoh Pharmaceutical (September 2019, extended in April 2020 ) to develop drug candidates for 11 undisclosed target proteins in cancer and other therapeutic areas.

Funding and financials

In a Series B funding round in August 2020 led by B Capital and Sanabil, Atomwise raised USD 123 million to advance its AI platform, expand its team, and scale its pipeline. The company also received a USD 2.3 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in October 2020 to develop new therapies for drug-resistant malaria and tuberculosis.