AI start-up Profluent has formed a significant partnership with Eli Lilly, valued at up to $2.25 billion, to advance gene-editing therapies.
Founded in 2022, Profluent has garnered attention for its innovative technology that enables the insertion of entire genes into DNA, surpassing the localized editing capabilities of methods like CRISPR/Cas9. This collaboration aims to leverage Profluent's AI models for developing recombinase editors that can insert extensive DNA sequences at specific genomic locations.
While details about the partnership remain sparse, Eli Lilly will obtain exclusive rights to advance selected recombinases through various stages, including in vivo research and clinical trials. Profluent highlights that many genetic disorders involve multiple mutations, making it challenging to address them with single edits. The ability to insert a complete, functional gene could potentially allow for a unified therapeutic approach to complex diseases.
Profluent's approach combines genome editing with large language models, which they refer to as "programmable biology," aiming to create new medical solutions. This partnership follows Lilly's ongoing investments in gene-editing technologies, including a recent collaboration with Seamless Therapeutics focused on hearing loss therapies and the establishment of the Lilly Institute for Genetic Medicine, which is dedicated to various genetic conditions.
This alliance marks a pivotal moment in gene-editing advancements, positioning both companies to potentially revolutionize treatment options for genetically diverse diseases.