AQEMIA, a pioneering MedTech company that teaches atomic-scale physics to a generative AI to invent innovative medicines, is expanding to the UK.
The Parisian firm’s funding has topped $100 million with a new $38m round, led by new investor Cathay Innovation, less than a year after the previous one.
It is now scheduled to open a London office in the King’s Cross area in January 2025.
AQEMIA says this follows the successful validation of its drug discovery platform in internal preclinical programs and pharmaceutical partnerships, particularly in oncology. It also has a $140m collaboration with Sanofi, announced in December 2023.
The funding will support AQEMIA’s development goals, including preparations for clinical trials and expansion worldwide.
Former Babylon UK chief appointed CEO at Doctor Care Anywhere
“This is a transformative moment for AQEMIA,” said Maximilien Levesque, CEO and co-founder.
“Less than a year after our last round, this successful fundraising and the opening of our new London office mark significant strides toward our ambition to accelerate the discovery of new medicines on a global scale.
“Partnering with Cathay Innovation brings international expertise, particularly in the US and Asia, reinforcing our vision and mission. With this momentum, we are poised to advance to clinical trials, bringing us closer to delivering life-changing treatments to patients in need.”
Historical investors Wendel, Bpifrance Large Venture, Eurazeo and Elaia followed on in the round.
“We have long been committed to supporting visionary entrepreneurs who harness the transformative potential of AI to reshape the healthcare industry,” said Jacky Abitbol, partner at Cathay Innovation.
“AQEMIA embodies the future of drug discovery, combining the power of AI with quantum mechanics… it aims to profoundly transform the molecule research and pharmaceutical industry as a whole.
“Our partnership goes beyond capital support; we are putting to good use our experience in scaling AI-driven companies all over the world, particularly across US and Asia, as AQEMIA accelerates its path to the clinic and expands its global impact.”
Ulster University spinout targeting obesity & diabetes wins funding