UK-based AI drug discovery company Exscientia has entered into a four-year collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to develop small molecule therapeutics for COVID-19 and to prepare for future pandemics. 

As per the agreement, Exscientia will receive an equity investment of USD 35 million from BMGF’s strategic investment fund (SIF) and an additional USD 35 million through funding for operations and third-party activities. Exscientia will hold worldwide rights for the products developed through the partnership. 

Exscientia is expected to develop up to five small-molecule Phase 1-ready therapeutics for which the partnership will leverage Exscientia’s artificial intelligence (AI) platform and BMGF’s expertise in the global antiviral sector. BMGF will also provide support in funding the design, development, and distribution of antiviral drugs. 

The collaboration will initially focus on a variety of coronaviruses including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)—and its variants—and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). It will also later move into developing therapies for other viruses such as influenza and paramyxoviridae.

Exscientia received a grant of USD 1.5 million from BMGF in July 2021 to develop therapeutics for COVID-19. This work will now continue as part of the new partnership.