YC-backed ReactWise is applying AI to speed up drug manufacturing
ReactWise, a Cambridge-based company, is leveraging artificial intelligence to accelerate chemical manufacturing processes, with a focus on advancing drug development. This technology has the potential to streamline the production of new drugs and facilitate their entry into the market. By harnessing AI, ReactWise aims to address the challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies in scaling up drug production efficiently. This innovative approach could lead to significant improvements in the pharmaceutical industry and ultimately benefit patients worldwide. TechCrunch reports on the latest advancements in this field.
Artificial Intelligence in Chemistry
Artificial intelligence continues stirring things up in chemistry. Y Combinator-backed Cambridge, U.K.-based ReactWise is using AI to speed up chemical manufacturing — a key step in bringing new drugs to market. Once a promising drug has been identified in the lab, pharma firms need to be able to produce much larger amounts of the material to run clinical trials.
Accelerating Process Optimization
ReactWise is offering an “AI copilot for chemical process optimization,” claiming to accelerate the standard trial-and-error-based process by 30x in figuring out the best method for making a drug. Co-founder and CEO Alexander Pomberger likened making drugs to cooking, emphasizing the need to find the best recipe for high purity and yield.
The industry has historically relied on trial-and-error or staff expertise for process development. Introducing automation can reduce the number of iteration cycles needed to develop a solid manufacturing recipe for a drug.
Advancing Drug Development
ReactWise's machine learning AI models aim to deliver major savings by streamlining the drug development process. The startup is consolidating years of academic research into a simple software solution, leveraging data from thousands of reactions to train its AI for predictive analysis.
By automating the capture of reaction types and utilizing high-throughput screening methods, ReactWise is able to significantly speed up the generation of training data for its AI models. The startup is focused on manufacturing processes for small molecule drugs, with potential applications in various disease treatments.
Automation and Innovation
ReactWise's automation approach extends to interfacing with robotic lab equipment to enhance precision drug manufacturing. While the startup does not manufacture lab equipment, it collaborates with customers who have such equipment to drive efficiency in drug production.
The U.K.-based startup, founded in July 2024, is currently conducting pilot trials with pharmaceutical companies. ReactWise's pre-seed funding of $3.4 million, including support from YC and an Innovate U.K. grant, demonstrates investor confidence in AI-driven pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Future Outlook
ReactWise aims to significantly reduce the time required for drug manufacturing processes, contributing to faster delivery of pharmaceuticals to patients. By leveraging AI for process optimization, the startup is positioned to revolutionize drug development workflows.