Google.org Accelerator Supports Phare Bio’s AI-Driven Antibiotic Discovery Platform to Tackle Global Resistance Crisis

Phare Bio Selected to Participate in the Google.org Accelerator: Using Generative AI to Advance Open-Access Antibiotic Research CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Phare Bio, a biotechnology social venture leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle the global antibiotic resistance crisis, has been chosen for the Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI program. This prestigious selection brings Phare Bio a share of $30 million in funding, along with six months of pro bono technical expertise to further develop its AI-driven, open-access drug discovery platform. The platform is designed to mobilize researchers worldwide and breathe new life into antibiotic innovation, a critical area given the rising public health concerns. Phare Bio’s platform, developed in collaboration with the Collins Lab at MIT, utilizes generative AI to create entirely new classes of antibiotics. By integrating advanced machine learning models with biological screening, the platform can swiftly identify and refine drug candidates, ensuring they are both highly effective and less toxic. The primary aim is to combat antibiotic resistance, a silent but deadly threat projected to cause nearly 40 million deaths globally by 2050. Dr. Akhila Kosaraju, CEO and President of Phare Bio, expressed her gratitude for the support: "This backing from Google.org ensures that our tools do not remain confined to the laboratory. Instead, they will empower researchers, developers, and communities worldwide to accelerate their antibiotic discoveries. We are dedicated to advancing science as a global public good." The Google.org Accelerator support comes on the heels of significant momentum and funding from ARPA-H and the Audacious Project, solidifying Phare Bio’s impact and potential. These resources are being used to enhance the platform’s generative AI capabilities, allowing researchers to virtually design customized antibiotic candidates tailored to specific clinical needs. This represents a profound transformation in drug discovery, moving away from traditional methods and toward a more precise and efficient approach. Karla Palmer, Manager of AI & Scientific Progress at Google.org, commented on the decision: "We were impressed by Phare Bio’s ambition to revolutionize antibiotic discovery using AI and to share these tools with the wider scientific community. Their platform holds the promise of fostering unprecedented global collaboration and speeding up progress against one of the world’s most pressing health issues." Phare Bio has set an ambitious target to develop 15 preclinical antibiotics by 2030, positioning itself as a leader in mission-aligned biotech innovation. The company’s commitment to developing novel antibiotics, combined with its open-access model, sets a high standard for how biotechnology can be used to address global challenges. Founded in 2020 to address the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance, Phare Bio is a social venture that brings together cutting-edge machine learning and top-tier scientific expertise. In addition to its work with the Collins Lab at MIT, Phare Bio has also received substantial support from the Audacious Project, a joint initiative by TED and prominent nonprofits aimed at funding innovative and impactful solutions to global problems. For more information, visit www.pharebio.org or send an email to info@pharebio.org.