Basecamp Research, a biotechnology startup based in London, has successfully raised $60 million in funding to advance its mission of developing "programmable" genetic medicines.
The company has formed a multi-year collaboration with the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, a renowned research institution known for its groundbreaking work in genetics and biotechnology. This partnership will focus on advancing novel fusion proteins and other large molecules that could play a crucial role in the next generation of genetic therapies.
Basecamp Research aims to leverage its innovative approach to artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery through its collaboration with the lab of David Liu, a prominent figure in gene editing and biotech entrepreneurship. By creating a comprehensive database of biological interactions found in nature, Basecamp intends to provide AI models with more detailed training, potentially leading to breakthroughs in drug development, diagnostics, and agricultural applications.
The integration of AI into drug discovery has gained momentum, with Basecamp Research taking a unique approach. Rather than relying on traditional methods that involve a series of scientific experiments to train AI, Basecamp focuses on using AI as a pattern recognition tool within the confines of existing biological data. This approach aims to uncover new gene editing techniques by understanding the ongoing "warfare" between bacteria and viruses and compiling data on the "weapons" employed in these battles.
The recent Series B funding round, led by Singular, a venture firm based in Paris, raised a total of $60 million for Basecamp Research. The funding round saw participation from various life sciences and technology investors, including Roche vice chairman André Hoffmann and former Unilever CEO Paul Polman. With a total of $85 million raised since its inception in 2019, Basecamp is well-positioned to expand its operations and continue building its extensive database. The company also plans to collaborate with a broader range of biopharma companies to further establish its presence in the industry.
Basecamp Research's commitment to addressing complex problems in life sciences has garnered recognition from notable figures in the field. Andy Conrad, a general partner at S32 and founder of Alphabet's Verily Life Sciences, commended Basecamp for its first principles approach to tackling unexplored challenges in the biopharma industry. This endorsement highlights the potential impact of Basecamp's innovative strategies on the future of genetic medicine and drug discovery.
As the biotech landscape evolves, the intersection of AI and genetic research presents exciting opportunities for innovation. Basecamp Research, with its ambitious plans and strategic partnerships, is positioned as a key player in the pursuit of advanced genetic therapies, potentially reshaping the future of medicine.