Tel Aviv, Israel – November 20, 2024
Converge Bio, a generative AI platform focused on accelerating drug discovery and development, has raised $5.5 million in seed funding. The funding round, led by TLV Partners, highlights Converge Bio’s mission to transform pharmaceutical R&D through cutting-edge AI solutions.
Redefining Biotech with Generative AI
Converge Bio’s platform leverages large language models (LLMs) trained on vast datasets, including DNA, RNA, protein sequences, and small molecules. These models accelerate drug discovery by optimizing workflows, reducing time, and improving accuracy for biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
“Biological languages, like DNA and RNA, are structured systems with rules, much like human languages,” said Dov Gertz, CEO and co-founder of Converge Bio. “Using generative AI, we can design optimized biological sequences for vaccines and therapeutics, cutting years from the development timeline.”
Platform Features and Partnerships
Converge Bio offers a comprehensive suite of AI-powered solutions, including:
• Antibody Engineering: Enhancing specificity and reducing side effects.
• Target Identification: Uncovering novel drug targets.
• mRNA Vaccine Design: Creating vaccines with improved immune responses.
The company collaborates with industry leaders, including Teva Pharmaceuticals, Compugen, and BiomX, to implement its generative AI technologies in real-world applications.
Leadership and Vision
Founded in 2024, Converge Bio is led by a team of scientific and technical experts:
• Dov Gertz, CEO: A bioinformatics specialist whose CRISPR research, conducted with Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna, advanced gene-editing techniques.
• Oded Kalev, CTO: A machine learning veteran who developed innovative RNA analysis tools during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Iddo Weiner, CSO: Former VP of research at BiomX, with a Ph.D. in engineering and biology.
The Future of AI in Drug Discovery
Converge Bio’s platform not only predicts biological outcomes but also explains the reasoning behind these predictions, building trust and enabling actionable insights for scientists.
“Generative AI is poised to transform every stage of drug discovery,” said Shahar Tzafrir, Managing Partner at TLV Partners. “Converge Bio’s unique ability to provide both accurate predictions and explainable insights sets a new standard in the industry.”
With its new funding, Converge Bio aims to enhance its R&D capabilities and expand its team, solidifying its position at the forefront of AI-driven innovation in biotech.
For more information, visit www.convergebio.com.
