AI in Healthcare Weekly Report: Species De-Extinction and Generative Genomics Drive Investment Surge [250922]

Last week, globallyIn the AI healthcare sector, capital is concentrated on breakthroughs in frontier technologies, including species resurrection, generative genomics, and the development of therapies for polygenic diseases, reflecting a preference for disruptive technologies. On the policy front, the US and the UK are in the spotlight: the US provides support by extending telemedicine policies and improving the transparency of medical insurance directories, while the postponement of decisions on newborn vaccinations reveals the complexity of policymaking; the UK has secured substantial investments in AI computing power infrastructure to solidify its foundation for healthcare AI innovation.

1. AI-Driven New Drugs and Therapies

• Colossal Biosciences

Financing Amount:$120 million (Additional Financing)

Round: Undisclosed

Colossal Biosciences is a U.S.-based synthetic biology and species resurrection company focused on advancing the revival of extinct species and the conservation of endangered ones through genetic editing and cellular engineering. On September 17, 2025, the company announced a breakthrough in global pigeon germ cells for the first time, advancing the dodo resurrection project, and secured an additional $120 million in funding for the effort.Species Expansion and Platform Technology R&D. This breakthrough and dual financing move has strengthenedColossal's Leading Position in "Species Resurrection" and Synthetic Biology.

• Immuto Scientific

Financing Amount:$8 million

Round:Seed-2

Immuto Scientific, headquartered in Wisconsin, USA, is an innovative drug research and development company.Through Structural Surface Omics（structural surfaceomics）Discover New Therapeutic Targets to Advance Antibody and Small Molecule Drug Development。On September 12, 2025, the company announced the completion of an $8 million Seed-2 financing round and a collaboration with Japan's Daiichi Sankyo to uncover a new class of potential therapeutic targets. Immuto plans to use the funds to accelerate preclinical development of its platform and expand its network of collaborations with large pharmaceutical companies.

• Character Biosciences

Financing Amount:Cumulative amount exceeding $110 million after Series B expansion

Round:Series B Expansion

Character Biosciences is a precision medicine company headquartered in the United States.Leveraging Genomic and Clinical Data Platforms to Drive Drug Development for Polygenic Diseases, with a Focus on Ophthalmic and Age-Related Conditions。On September 17, 2025, the company announced an additional expansion of its Series B financing round, with new funds coming from Sanofi Ventures and existing investors, bringing the total amount of this round to over $110 million. The proceeds will be used to advance clinical programs for ophthalmic indications, such as geographic atrophy, and to expand its data and computing platform to support the discovery and validation of next-generation targets.

• Synthesize Bio

Financing Amount:$10 million

Round: Seed Round

Synthesize Bio, headquartered in the United States, is an emerging "generative genomics" startup dedicated toApplied GenerativeAI Accelerates the Design and Optimization of Genes and Sequences, driving innovation in protein engineering, gene editing, and novel molecular therapies.On September 17, 2025, the company announced the completion of a $10 million seed funding round. The funds are planned to be used for building a stronger R&D team and accelerating the practical application in the design-validation cycle of protein engineering, gene editing, and novel molecular therapies, thereby promoting the actual industrialization of AI in the field of genomics.

2. Medical Digitalization and Service Platform

• Trially AI

Financing Amount:$4.7 million

Round: Seed Round

Trially AI, headquartered in the Netherlands, is aUsing Artificial Intelligence to Solve the Bottleneck of Patient Recruitment in Clinical TrialsStart-up company.On September 10, 2025, the company announced the completion of a $4.7 million seed funding round and launched a new platform, Margo, which aims to accelerate patient recruitment efficiency for clinical trials through AI-driven automated matching and optimization processes. The funds will primarily be used for product development and expanding collaborations with clinical research institutions.

• Post Acute Analytics

Financing Amount: Undisclosed

Round: Undisclosed

Post Acute Analytics is aFocused on the Post-Acute Care FieldA digital innovation company dedicated toImproving Nursing Efficiency and Quality through Data Analysis and Intelligent Platforms。On September 15, 2025, the company announced the completion of a new round of financing, with funds to be used for promoting digitalization and innovation in the post-acute care field. This move aligns with the healthcare system's trend toward "value-based care," as capital continues to focus on improving the efficiency and quality of care delivery.

【CoreWeave Commits £1.5 Billion Investment in the UK: Driving AI Innovation and Sustainable Computing Infrastructure Development

On September 16, 2025, CoreWeave announced an investment of £1.5 billion in the UK to support AI innovation and long-term growth, while accelerating the development of sustainable computing power infrastructure. This strategic investment not only marks CoreWeave's expansion into the European market but also reflects the long-term value of computing power as a core pillar of the AI industry. The move is expected to provide dual impetus of capital and technology for the UK’s AI ecosystem.

【CDC Delays Vote on Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccination: Policy Struggle Between Public Health and Scientific Evidence

On September 19, 2025, the U.S. CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) decided to postpone the vote on adjusting the hepatitis B vaccination schedule for newborns. This move highlights the complexity and controversy of balancing scientific research evidence with public health considerations in the vaccine policy-making process.

【CMS Releases Final Rule: Requires Medicare Advantage Directory Transparency to Improve Healthcare Accessibility

On September 18, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule requiring Medicare Advantage insurers to enhance the accuracy and transparency of provider directories, aiming to reduce access barriers caused by incomplete or incorrect directory information, thereby improving the equity and efficiency of patient care.

[US House Continuing Resolution: Extend Telehealth Flexibility &ACA Subsidy Reflects Continuous Policy Support

On September 15, 2025, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved a continuing resolution to extend telehealth flexibility policies and subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This move reflects long-term legislative attention and support for the development of telehealth and affordable health insurance, providing stable expectations for healthcare institutions and patients.

【CMMI Medicare Pre-Authorization Pilot Raises Concerns: May Increase Administrative Burden and Risk of Treatment Delays

On September 13, 2025, the prior authorization pilot program launched by the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) raised concerns among healthcare providers. The industry widely questioned whether it could increase administrative burdens on medical institutions and slow down patients' access to necessary treatments, thereby affecting the overall quality and timeliness of care.