Latent Labs launches web-based AI model to democratize protein design

Latent Labs has made a significant stride in the field of biotechnology by launching a web-based AI model that aims to revolutionize protein design. This development comes just six months after the company emerged from stealth mode, during which it secured $50 million in funding. According to CEO Simon Kohl, who previously played a pivotal role in DeepMind’s AlphaFold project, their model has set new benchmarks in various performance metrics when tested against proteins developed in laboratory environments. The model, referred to as LatentX, allows users such as academic institutions, biotech startups, and pharmaceutical firms to design novel proteins directly through a web interface, using natural language. This capability not only enhances accessibility but also enables the creation of entirely new molecular structures, including nanobodies and antibodies with highly precise atomic configurations. Such innovations have the potential to expedite the development of new therapeutics significantly. Kohl emphasizes that LatentX differentiates itself from AlphaFold, which is primarily focused on predicting existing protein structures. In contrast, LatentX empowers users to generate new proteins, a key distinction that sets it apart in the competitive landscape of AI-driven drug discovery. While many companies in this sector, such as Xaira and Recursion, are developing proprietary medicines, Latent Labs adopts a unique business strategy by licensing its model for use by various organizations. Kohl points out that not every entity has the resources to build its AI infrastructure, making LatentX an appealing solution for those in need. Currently, LatentX is available at no cost, although the company plans to introduce premium features and functionalities that may come with a fee in the future. Other players in this space include Chai Discovery and EvolutionaryScale, which also provide open-source foundational models for drug discovery. Latent Labs is supported by notable investors such as Radical Ventures, Sofinnova Partners, and key figures like Google’s Chief Scientist Jeff Dean and Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei.