Deep Genomics

Deep Genomics is a Canadian biotechnology company that has developed an AI and deep learning platform called the AI Workbench that uses terabytes of genetic data to precisely discover Ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutic targets. 

The company claims programmable RNA therapeutics have significant potential in treating genetic diseases. Deep Genomics uses AI in every stage of drug development, from designing novel candidates to animal models and the company claims 70% of its research projects have resulted in a therapeutic lead and its programs have advanced from target discovery to drug candidate in less than a year.

The company has 11 therapeutic programs, 10 of which are in the discovery stage while one has reached the target identification stage. This pipeline includes a drug candidate for Wilson disease—a rare and potentially fatal genetic disorder—which was identified in September 2019 and is regarded as the first-ever drug candidate discovery with the use of AI. The company aims to advance this as the first drug candidate to the clinical trial stage. 

Key customers and partnerships

In September 2021 , the company partnered with Mila, an AI research institute, for talent acquisition. Further, the company partnered with BioMarin in November 2020 to discover four rare disease indications. BioMarin may move them into preclinical and clinical development once they are validated.

Funding and financials

In July 2021 , the company raised USD 180 million in a Series C funding round led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2. Existing investors including Amplitude Ventures and Khosla Ventures also participated in the round, along with other new investors. The funds were to be used for scaling its pipeline by expanding its proprietary platform to generate data across 100 genes to identify novel targets, mechanisms, and preclinical programs.