Jacob Neidhardt
December 10, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE—French biotech startup Aqemia has raised $38 million in funding, bringing its total funding to $100 million. The latest round, led by Cathay Innovation, underscores investor confidence in Aqemia’s innovative approach to drug discovery, which integrates quantum-inspired physics with generative AI to expedite the development of new medicines.
Pioneering AI in Drug Discovery
Founded in 2019 by Maximilien Levesque and Emmanuelle Rolland-Martiano, Aqemia aims to accelerate drug development by eliminating traditional reliance on experimental data. Instead, the company uses advanced physics-based algorithms to simulate molecular interactions, enabling the creation of synthetic data to predict the properties and efficacy of potential drug molecules.
Aqemia’s current focus is on oncology and immuno-oncology, leveraging the immune system to combat cancer. The platform has already demonstrated promising preclinical results and entered a $140 million partnership with pharmaceutical giant Sanofi to explore cutting-edge R&D opportunities.
Strategic Expansion and Investment Goals
The new funding will be allocated toward:
• Technology Advancements: Enhancing Aqemia’s AI-driven drug discovery platform to design novel molecular structures efficiently.
• Global Expansion: Establishing a new office in London by January 2025, tapping into the UK’s rich talent pool in biotech and AI.
The London expansion marks a significant step for Aqemia, providing proximity to leading research institutions and positioning the company as a global player in the pharmaceutical industry.
Cathay Innovation’s Support
Lead investor Cathay Innovation emphasized Aqemia’s transformative potential. “Aqemia combines quantum mechanics and AI to address inefficiencies in drug discovery, fundamentally reshaping the pharmaceutical industry,” said Jacky Abitbol, partner at Cathay Innovation.
This funding round also saw participation from existing investors Wendel, Bpifrance Large Venture, Eurazeo, and Elaia, further reinforcing confidence in Aqemia’s mission.
Positioned for Growth
With its cutting-edge technology and robust investor backing, Aqemia is poised to address critical challenges in healthcare. The company’s innovative platform promises to deliver life-saving treatments faster and more cost-effectively, paving the way for breakthroughs in cancer and other complex diseases.
For more information, visit Aqemia.
