Funnel Biosciences Announces Multi-Target AI Antibody Discovery Collaboration with Third Rock Ventures

BEIJING, November 6, 2026— Funnel Biosciences, an AI-driven antibody and protein therapeutics company, today announced a strategic research collaboration with Third Rock Ventures ("TRV"). The collaboration will apply Funnel's proprietary epitope-guided AI antibody discovery platform to the discovery and development of novel biologics against multiple targets, nominated by TRV.

Under the collaboration, Funnel will receive a platform access fee and is eligible for total potential economics of up to approximately US$2.16 billion, subject to the applicable contractual conditions. The amount of the platform access fee has not been disclosed.

Conventional antibody discovery commonly relies on animal immunization and phage display, followed by rounds of screening and optimization. For structurally complex targets such as multi-pass membrane proteins, preserving native target conformations and identifying antibodies that bind specific functional epitopes remain important discovery challenges.

Funnel has developed algorithms for antibody generation and engineering. Starting from selected target epitopes, the platform uses AI to generate candidate antibodies and physics-based energy functions to refine binding interfaces, connecting molecular design with the intended mechanism of action.

According to Funnel, the platform can generate antibodies with picomolar affinities, favorable developability and low immunogenicity in a zero-shot setting, without in vitro affinity maturation, with sequence-level hit rates comparable to those of leading models in its class.

"Our goal is to develop the next generation of therapeutic molecules by starting with clearly defined biological questions," said Dr. Mingchen Chen / Dr. Jintan Liu, Founders of Funnel Biosciences." By combining AI design with experimental validation, we aim to work with partners to explore biologics with the potential for differentiation in molecular design and mechanism of action. TRV's experience in scientific translation, drug development and company creation complements Funnel's capabilities. We look forward to bringing these strengths together in concrete research programs and advancing innovative molecules into further development."

Funnel Biosciences is an AI-driven biologics discovery and development company focused on designing molecules around target biology and intended mechanisms of action. The company combines its proprietary AI design platform with experimental validation to advance the discovery of potentially differentiated biologics through internal programs and research collaborations.

Third Rock Ventures is a healthcare venture firm that discovers, launches, and builds companies to transform the lives of patients. Since 2007, the firm has launched more than 70 companies and advanced more than 25 products to market approval. Third Rock's team brings expertise at the intersection of science, medicine, and business. Through a distinctive company creation model, the firm takes programs from scientific discovery through clinical execution to long-term value creation. Third Rock has offices in Boston and San Francisco.