PostEra

PostEra is a University of Cambridge spin-out company engaged in utilizing machine learning technology to design novel molecular structures. Its approach is based on combining chemical synthesis with molecular designing. In addition to collaborating with drug developers, it also operates a chemical database, Manifold, to offer some of its synthesis technology.

The company also leverages its AI-based Proton platform to advance an internal drug discovery pipeline and conduct collaborative drug discovery projects with external partners. As of March 2024, the company had four internal drug candidates in early and late discovery stages, focusing on women’s health and fertility. 

Key customers and partnerships

The company’s key customers include two pharma giants. In December 2020 , PostEra partnered with Pfizer to accelerate small-molecule drug discovery in virology and in January 2022 , they expanded this collaboration to establish an AI lab aimed at further advancing their joint drug discovery efforts. It also partnered with Amgen in November 2023 to advance five oncology-related small-molecule programs by combining its Proton platform and Amgen's drug discovery skillset.

Funding and financials

In May 2022 , PostEra received USD 68 million in grant funding from the National Institutes of Health as part of a multi-year collaboration to develop novel antiviral therapeutics to curb future pandemics. Prior to that, it raised USD 24 million in a Series A funding round led by The Clermont Group in January 2022 .