Alphabet’s AI drug discovery platform Isomorphic Labs raises $600M from Thrive

Tech Crunch - Mar 31st, 2025
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Isomorphic Labs, an AI drug discovery platform from Google’s DeepMind, has secured $600 million in its first round of external capital funding. This significant investment was led by Thrive Capital, with participation from GV and Alphabet, Google's parent company. The funds will accelerate the development of Isomorphic’s AI drug design engine and support its mission to bring AI-discovered drugs to clinical trials. Founded by DeepMind’s co-founder Demis Hassabis, the company utilizes DeepMind’s AI software, including AlphaFold, to predict protein structures. This success builds on previous strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novartis, which could yield up to $3 billion in milestone payments.

This funding round marks a pivotal moment for Isomorphic Labs, underscoring the growing influence of AI in drug discovery. The investment will not only enhance their technological capabilities but also allow the recruitment of top research scientists. This development is significant in the context of AI's expanding role in healthcare innovation, promising faster and potentially more cost-effective drug development processes. Furthermore, Hassabis and DeepMind researcher John Jumper's recent Nobel Prize in chemistry for their work on AlphaFold highlights the groundbreaking nature of their research and its potential impact on the pharmaceutical industry.

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RATING

7.4
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded overview of Isomorphic Labs' recent funding and strategic partnerships, highlighting the company's advancements in AI-driven drug discovery. It effectively communicates the significance of these developments and captures the reader's interest through its focus on cutting-edge technology and high-profile collaborations.

While the article is accurate and timely, it could benefit from greater transparency and a broader range of perspectives to enhance its balance and depth. Addressing potential controversies and ethical considerations related to AI in healthcare would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic and increase the article's impact and engagement.

Overall, the article succeeds in informing readers about the key developments at Isomorphic Labs, but it could further enrich the discussion by exploring the broader implications and challenges associated with AI in drug discovery.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article accurately reports that Isomorphic Labs has raised $600 million in its first external funding round, led by Thrive Capital, with participation from GV and Alphabet. This is consistent with publicly available information from reputable sources. The claim that Isomorphic Labs was founded by DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis and leverages AI for drug discovery, using models like AlphaFold, is also accurate and well-documented.

However, the article mentions that Demis Hassabis and John Jumper received a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2024 for their work on AlphaFold, which requires verification, as this is a future event and cannot be confirmed at this time. Additionally, while the article states that Isomorphic Labs has partnerships with Eli Lilly and Novartis potentially worth up to $3 billion, the specific details of these partnerships are not fully disclosed and would benefit from further verification.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view of Isomorphic Labs' achievements and future plans, highlighting both the company's successes and its strategic goals. However, it primarily focuses on the positive aspects of the company, such as its funding and partnerships, without delving into potential challenges or criticisms.

There is a lack of alternative perspectives or critical viewpoints that might provide a more nuanced understanding of the company's operations or the broader implications of AI in drug discovery. Including insights from industry experts or competitors could enhance the article's balance by presenting a wider range of perspectives.

8
Clarity

The article is written in clear and concise language, making it accessible to a general audience. It effectively communicates the key points about Isomorphic Labs' funding and partnerships, as well as the role of AI in its operations.

The structure of the article is logical, with a coherent flow of information that guides the reader through the main claims. However, some technical terms, such as 'AI drug design engine' and 'three-dimensional structures of proteins,' could benefit from brief explanations to ensure comprehension by readers without a scientific background.

8
Source quality

The article references credible sources such as Thrive Capital, GV, and Alphabet, which are reputable entities in the investment and technology sectors. The involvement of these well-known organizations lends credibility to the claims made in the article.

However, the article does not cite specific interviews or statements from Isomorphic Labs or its partners, which could strengthen the reliability of the information. Providing direct quotes or sourcing from company representatives would enhance the article's authority and trustworthiness.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear overview of Isomorphic Labs' funding and partnerships, but lacks detailed context about the methodologies used in its AI drug discovery process. While it mentions the use of AlphaFold, it does not explain how this technology is integrated into the company's operations.

Additionally, there is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, such as the relationship between Isomorphic Labs and its parent company, Alphabet. Greater transparency regarding these factors would provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the company's activities and their implications.

Sources

  1. https://www.genengnews.com/topics/artificial-intelligence/deepmind-spinout-isomorphic-labs-raises-600m-toward-ai-drug-design/
  2. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/google-backed-isomorphic-labs-raises-600m-to-advance-ai-drug-discovery/
  3. https://www.isomorphiclabs.com/articles/isomorphic-labs-announces-600m-external-investment-round