Three AI-Driven Biotechs — Character Biosciences, Congruence Therapeutics, and Formation Bio — Named to Fierce Biotech’s 2025 Fierce 15 List
Character Biosciences
Precision Medical Solutions Developer for Genetic Diseases
Congruence Therapeutics
Novel Small Molecule Drug Developer
Formation Bio
Biotechnology Platform Provider
Character BiosciencesFounded in2019, formerly affiliated with an insurance companyClover Health, initially aimed to leverage massive insurance data to develop new therapies for age-related chronic diseases.
However, as the dataset construction gradually improved, this biotechnology company eventually became independent and initiated internal operations.Target and drug discovery work, establishing an AI-driven and genetically drivenPlatform.
The company owns a vast multi-omics dataset, integrating genomics and cell models derived from stem cells, while collecting longitudinal clinical data (electronic medical records, imaging tests, physician notes) to observe disease progression and responses to interventions.
By leveraging both AI and computer vision tools, the company can identify biomarkers from images to track disease progression.Modeling disease progression to provide a more detailed perspective on disease states and potential intervention windows.
The company currently has two mainPipeline Needed,CTX203Is a lipid regulator, targeting globally over2Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) Patient, has currently entered1Phase Clinical.
Another pipeline is namedCTX114A complement inhibitor designed to significantly slow retinal cell death and vision loss will enter clinical trials next year.
The company has currently raised over2.28 Billion USD (approximately RMB 16.5 100 million yuan), including the ophthalmic giantBausch + Lomb、SanofiImportant roles such as venture capital.
Congruence TherapeuticsFounded in2021Year, aimed at establishing forProtein FoldingBiophysical models, and the development of rare disease therapies based on this platform.
The company created a name calledRevenirComputational engine for drug discovery that captures biophysical changes caused by protein mutations.
By analyzing the surface characteristics and numerous biophysical descriptors of mutant and wild-type proteins, insights into this defect and its correction methods can be gained.
Founder and Chief Executive OfficerClarissa DesjardinsDr. once founded an innovative drug company.Clementia, and on2019Year was acquired by French pharmaceutical giantIpsenIn13Billion-dollar acquisition, currently the world's only approved rare bone disease Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva （FOP）DrugSohonosIt was developed by this team.
2025By the end of the year, the company will submit forHereditary ObesitySmall molecule drugsClinical Trial Application, in addition to this, there are two variants targeting Parkinson's disease and α-1 Newly Developed Candidate Drug for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.
The company has already engaged in multi-target deals with Ono Pharmaceutical in the field of oncology, and received investment from OrbiMed, the world’s largest healthcare investment institution (OrbiMed), and investments from institutions such as the Quebec Investment Bureau in Canada
Formation BioFounded in2016Year, dedicated to buildingClinical Trial Technical Tools, integrating artificial intelligence into every aspect of drug development has empowered more than300Clinical trial.
In the report, Formation Bio mentioned that it hopes to change the longest and most expensive part of drug development so far.Clinical Trials,To create the first new large pharmaceutical company in decades.
They gave an example of clinical patient recruitment:It used to take about two months to organize patient recruitment activities., and through the artificial intelligence system,Each inference call takes a few minutes and8Dollar。
In terms of financing, 2021Year9Monthly company completion1.5Billion US dollarsCRound of financing,AltmanLed the investment in this company in his personal name,Company valuation exceeds10billion dollars, entering the unicorn ranks.
Last Year6Month,Formation BioCompleted3.72Billion US dollarsDRound of financing, this round of financing was led bya16zLed by Formation Bio, Sanofi, Sequoia Capital,Thrive CapitalFollow-up investment.
OpenAI、Sanofi andFormation BioThe first collaborative achievement has been launched.——For Optimizing Patient Recruitment in Clinical TrialsAIToolMuse, Sanofi has applied it to multiple sclerosisIIIIn the clinical trial phase.
