AI biotech Profluent has inked a multi-program research collaboration with Eli Lilly worth up to $2.25 billion, focusing on AI-designed recombinases to enable kilobase-scale DNA editing for genetic diseases.
Profluent will use its AI models to create site-specific enzymes that insert large DNA segments precisely, addressing diseases with multiple mutations, a “holy grail” in gene therapy, per CEO Ali Madani. Lilly gains exclusive rights to advance selected targets into development and commercialization, with undisclosed upfronts, R&D funding, milestones, and royalties.
The deal builds on Lilly’s AI push in genetic medicines, targeting heterogeneous mutations untreatable by single edits like CRISPR. Profluent, backed by Eric Schmidt and others, aims to design custom recombinases for any genomic site.
This pact underscores AI’s role in transforming gene editing, potentially unlocking broad therapies for unmet needs.
