Precision for Medicine Acquires AI Firm SimplicityBio to Enhance Biomarker-Driven Drug Development

VCBeat (WeChat Official Account: vcbeat) has learned that U.S. biotechnology company Precision for Medicine announced today its acquisition of artificial intelligence technology developer SimplicityBio, with the financial terms undisclosed. Precision for Medicine will integrate SimplicityBio’s advanced AI technologies into its QuartzBio genomic data integration platform to facilitate the development of biomarker-guided therapies.

Biomarkers are increasingly prevalent in medical research, enabling precise prediction and understanding of varied therapeutic outcomes across different treatments and patient populations. The proliferation of data points from diverse experimental studies has led to a surge in biomarker data, thereby increasing the complexity of data compilation and integration for research teams. The QuartzBio platform significantly accelerates the harmonization and organization of these complex data streams within clinical information, transforming them into effective, actionable datasets.

In October 2018, Precision for Medicine acquired ApoCell, a company specializing in tissue and liquid biopsies with a primary focus on the identification and analysis of biomarkers. In December 2018, Precision for Medicine acquired Stern Investor Relations, an investment firm primarily focused on investing in early-stage biotechnology and healthcare companies.

As a Swiss startup, SimplicityBio secured two rounds of funding from Venture Kick and MassChallenge in 2014 and 2016, respectively.

SimplicityBio is the second Swiss startup acquired by Precision for Medicine. The combination of QuartzBio and SimplicityBio enables, for the first time, real-time access to comprehensive multi-omics data (such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and flow cytometry) from biological tissues, thereby informing clinical trial decision-making. SimplicityBio’s AI-powered analytics platform allows customers to freely search these integrated “genomic and clinical datasets” and output results in an intuitive, interpretable, interactive, and secure manner. These actionable data will accelerate the understanding of disease mechanisms, drug target discovery, advanced biomarker identification, patient stratification, and drug repurposing, ultimately leading to more effective therapies and improved treatment outcomes.

“Discussing the importance of artificial intelligence in advanced biomarker informatics, Chad Clark, President of Precision for Medicine, stated: ‘We are excited to integrate SimplicityBio’s AI-driven approach into the QuartzBio bioinformatics data integration platform. The combination of QuartzBio’s industry-leading multi-omics data processing and harmonization capabilities with validated AI analytical tools is unique in the market.’”

“AI technology can only fulfill its potential when applied in practical operations,” said Matthew Hall, CEO and Co-founder of SimplicityBio, in a statement. “With the ever-increasing volume and complexity of multi-omics data, joining Precision for Medicine allows us to integrate our AI algorithms with QuartzBio, Precision for Medicine’s genomic data integration platform. This represents a significant advancement for SimplicityBio’s clients, the healthcare industry, and even the broader field of AI technology development.”

Precision for Medicine is a subsidiary of Precision Medicine Group, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Precision Medicine Group employs more than 1,800 people across over 30 locations in the United States, Canada, and Europe. As the first biomarker-driven clinical development organization, Precision for Medicine supports life sciences companies in conducting scientific research using biomarkers that enable more precise and effective clinical treatments. It applies novel biomarker approaches to clinical research, leveraging cutting-edge scientific technologies with a focus on genomics, immune response analysis, biospecimen logistics, biomarker analysis, and companion diagnostics.

QuartzBio is Precision for Medicine’s genomic data integration and information platform, enabling Precision for Medicine to identify hidden patient subpopulations that derive the greatest benefit from specific therapies, thereby advancing true personalized medicine.

SimplicityBio is a founding member of the Artificial Intelligence Alliance in Healthcare (AAIH). Based in Monthey, Switzerland, it originated from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland – Valais (HEIG-VD). With the support of the Ark Foundation, it has received numerous awards, including the Liechti Prize.

SimplicityBio’s AI approach was originally developed by the School of Engineering and Management Vaud (HEIG-VD) in Switzerland. Initially applied in industrial production, it employs a unique multi-genomic profiling method that leverages diverse data streams to identify novel combinations of biomarkers, positioning SimplicityBio’s AI as an industry-leading emerging medical technology.

(Compiled by Wang Shuijing)