Hexagon Bio

Hexagon Bio engages in the discovery of medicines based on the global metagenome—a collection of the genetic material of all the microorganisms present in various ecosystems such as soil, water, and the human body. Hexagon’s approach is based on identifying molecules and protein targets in microbial genomes across the globe that haven’t been sequenced yet—according to the company, this is around 99%.

Its proprietary platform, which combines AI/ML technologies, genomics, chemistry, and synthetic biology, is capable of mining and unlocking the potential of hidden chemical compounds known as secondary metabolites, to develop novel medicines to treat cancer and infectious diseases. It accelerates drug-target prediction, DNA sequencing, and compound production. 

Funding and financials

In its Series B funding round in February 2023, Hexagon Bio raised USD 77.3 million from existing investors The Column Group and Two Sigma Ventures and new investors Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. The proceeds were earmarked to expand the team and enhance the capabilities of its platform. In October 2020, the company received a two-year grant of around USD 1.2 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to identify treatments for malaria and tuberculosis patients.