Eli Lilly and BigHat Biosciences sign AI antibody discovery agreement

Eli Lilly has entered into a strategic research partnership with BigHat Biosciences to create next-generation antibody therapeutics. This collaboration marks a significant step for Eli Lilly as it expands its capabilities in AI-driven drug development. The partnership encompasses two antibody programs, with BigHat taking charge of the design and engineering of therapeutic antibodies through its proprietary Milliner platform. While the financial specifics of the agreement remain undisclosed, the objectives are clear: to enhance the development of biologics with improved therapeutic profiles.

The Milliner platform is integral to this process, as it blends machine learning with a synthetic biology-based high-speed wet lab. This innovative technology addresses key challenges in antibody development by optimizing multiple antibody attributes at once, such as affinity, specificity, immunogenicity, and manufacturability. This holistic approach aims to expedite the creation of biologics that offer better therapeutic outcomes.

As part of the collaboration, Eli Lilly is not only investing in BigHat but also supporting it through its Catalyze360 initiative. This support extends to BigHat’s internal program focused on an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for gastrointestinal cancer, anticipated to enter clinical trials by 2026. Notably, BigHat will maintain full global rights and development control over this ADC, underscoring its autonomy in this endeavor.

This partnership is a continuation of Eli Lilly's commitment to leveraging AI in drug discovery and development. Previously, in 2023, Lilly collaborated with OpenAI to explore new antimicrobials targeting drug-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, in 2024, Eli Lilly announced a $409 million agreement with Genetic Leap, centered on RNA-targeted therapies. On the same day as the announcement with BigHat, Eli Lilly also revealed high-profile results from its oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, orforglipron, significantly boosting the company’s stock values.

For BigHat, the collaboration with Eli Lilly enriches its growing portfolio of strategic alliances. The company has previously engaged in research partnerships with giants like Johnson & Johnson, focusing on neuroscience, and AbbVie, in a deal involving a $30 million upfront payment and up to $325 million in milestone payments. Other collaborations include agreements with MSD and Amgen, demonstrating BigHat’s proactive expansion in the field.

Founded in 2019, BigHat is developing a pipeline of preclinical programs across oncology and immunology. These encompass progressive ADCs and uniquely differentiated T-cell engagers. In November 2024, BigHat obtained commercial licensing rights to Synaffix’s site-specific ADC technology platform. This acquisition bolsters its leading gastrointestinal cancer ADC program, which is currently in the investigational new drug-enabling stage and is set to become BigHat’s inaugural clinical candidate.

The partnership with Eli Lilly is seen as a pivotal opportunity to fully utilize AI-driven biologic design, according to Peyton Greenside, CEO of BigHat. The move reflects a broader industry trend where pharmaceutical companies are increasingly employing AI to streamline drug development processes. In a recent discussion at the 2024 BIO CEO & Investor Conference, BigHat’s chief business officer, Liz Schwarzbach, highlighted AI’s role as a powerful toolkit that extends the capabilities of the pharmaceutical industry.

A survey by GlobalData underscores this sentiment, identifying AI as the most disruptive technology among businesses, including in the healthcare sector. This collaboration between Eli Lilly and BigHat epitomizes the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing drug development and its profound impact on the future of healthcare.