Latent Labs Unveils Web-Based AI Model for Rapid Protein Design, Empowering Biotech Innovation

Latent Labs, a biotechnology startup that emerged from stealth mode with $50 million in funding six months ago, has launched a web-based AI model aimed at democratizing protein design. The model, called LatentX, has achieved state-of-the-art (SOTA) results in various metrics during lab testing, according to CEO and founder Simon Kohl, a former co-leader of DeepMind’s AlphaFold protein design team. Kohl explained to TechCrunch that the model uses computational methods to evaluate the quality of its protein designs, ensuring a high percentage are viable when tested physically. LatentX stands out by enabling users to design entirely new proteins, including nanobodies and antibodies, with precise atomic structures. This capability can significantly accelerate the development of new therapeutics. Unlike AlphaFold, which focuses on predicting the structures of existing proteins, LatentX generates novel proteins. “AlphaFold allows you to visualize existing protein structures, but it doesn’t enable the creation of new ones,” Kohl clarified. Latent Labs is also distinct from other AI-driven drug discovery companies like Xaira, Recursion, and Isomorphic Labs, which primarily concentrate on developing proprietary medications. Instead, Latent Labs licenses its model to external organizations, making it accessible to a broader range of users, including academic institutions, biotech startups, and pharmaceutical companies. “Not every company has the resources to build their own AI models, maintain AI infrastructure, or staff AI teams,” Kohl noted. While LatentX is currently available for free, the company plans to introduce a tiered system where advanced features and capabilities will be charged for as they are developed and rolled out. Latent Labs is supported by prominent investors, including Radical Ventures, Sofinnova Partners, Google’s Chief Scientist Jeff Dean, Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei, and Eleven Labs CEO Mati Staniszewski. Other companies offering open-source AI models for drug discovery include Chai Discovery and EvolutionaryScale. By making its cutting-edge technology accessible via a web browser, Latent Labs aims to democratize the field of protein design, empowering a wide array of researchers and organizations to contribute to and benefit from advancements in biotechnology.