Anthropic Builds Bio Lab in SF, Pushing for Automation in Experiments Based on Claude - Reuters

[Mexico City = Shim Young-jae, Correspondent] Artificial intelligence (AI) company Anthropic has established a research laboratory in the San Francisco Bay Area to conduct real biological experiments. Going beyond computer simulations, Claude will control robotic equipment to carry out automated experiments. Anthropic aims to accelerate drug development in areas such as rare diseases that the existing pharmaceutical industry has not adequately addressed.

According to Reuters, Anthropic confirmed on the 18th (local time) that it is operating a 'wet lab' that conducts real biological experiments in the San Francisco Bay Area. Eric Kauderer-Abrams, Anthropic's head of life sciences, stated in an interview with Reuters that they are conducting actual experiments through their own facilities and external partners.

He said, "I believe that the ultimate validation in biology will be done in real laboratories for the time being," adding, "We are currently doing such work."

However, an Anthropic spokesperson explained that the laboratory is not solely for drug discovery. Specific research details were not disclosed.

Claude Controls Robots... Pushing for Experiment Automation

According to multiple sources interviewed by Reuters, Anthropic is pursuing a method where Claude controls robotic equipment to perform scientific experiments with limited human intervention.

Kauderer-Abrams noted that while the automation of laboratory tasks using AI is still in its early stages, it has the potential to significantly accelerate various research processes.

Anthropic maintains that human oversight and intervention are essential for safety.

The company also faces the challenge of enhancing AI performance in the life sciences while controlling biological risks. According to Reuters, some of Anthropic's researchers recently warned that AI could pose serious risks to humanity in the long term. Anthropic has also stated that it has identified instances where its systems could be used for bioweapon development.

Kauderer-Abrams remarked, "In life sciences research, we are always balancing these issues." He explained that while improving models to accelerate drug development, they must also be deployed cautiously to limit risks.

In June, Anthropic announced plans to operate its own drug development program at an event in San Francisco. The company intends to conduct preclinical research in areas deemed economically unviable by traditional pharmaceutical companies.

The company has also launched life sciences research software called 'Claude Science.' It has brought on Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan to its board and acquired the biotech startup Coefficient Bio.

Reuters, citing media reports, stated that the acquisition price for Coefficient Bio is approximately $400 million in stock. Anthropic confirmed the acquisition but did not respond regarding the transaction amount.

"Accelerating Development for Incurable Diseases"... Excluding Clinical Trials

As Anthropic expands its own laboratory, it is also outsourcing some research to external institutions.

Kauderer-Abrams mentioned that there are tasks that are much faster when performed directly, stating that the goal is to conduct research on the largest possible scale. He explained that life sciences is already one of Anthropic's largest investment areas in terms of personnel and resources.

Hiring is also being expanded. According to Reuters, Anthropic recently recruited a head responsible for expanding procurement and laboratory operations. Another job posting sought experts in biochemistry, including protein and nucleic acid characterization. Another posting set a goal of increasing the pace of life sciences advancement by tenfold.

Anthropic believes that AI can accelerate the development of treatments for so-called 'undruggable' diseases that were previously considered difficult to address.

Specifically, it cited examples of accelerating the discovery of complex molecules such as bispecific antibodies and trispecific antibodies that can act on two or three targets simultaneously.

However, Anthropic has not disclosed which diseases it is currently researching or the specific progress being made. Even if candidate substances are identified, it may take years for them to undergo clinical trials and be released as actual medications.

Anthropic has also set a boundary stating that it will not conduct clinical trials directly.

Kauderer-Abrams stated that due to competitive issues, "We do not compete with pharmaceutical and biotech companies that make it their business to bring drugs to market." He explained that the company intends to focus on areas that the existing industry does not adequately address.

Anthropic is also developing foundational technologies for laboratory automation. Last month, it launched the 'Model Hardware Standard' to support AI in operating experimental equipment.

At the same time, it is providing AI services and tools to major pharmaceutical companies such as Roche's Genentech, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Novo Nordisk.

This raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest between the drug development information of client companies and Anthropic's own research. Sources interviewed by Reuters indicated that client companies may worry about the possibility of Anthropic obtaining information from competitors' drug development programs. Reuters explained that Anthropic is separating client data so that the company cannot access it.

This content is provided for general informational purposes only and doesn't constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Any events, rewards, online promotions, or related information mentioned herein should not be considered a recommendation, solicitation, or invitation to purchase, sell, trade, or otherwise deal in any crypto assets. Crypto assets are highly volatile and may result in loss. The availability of WEEX services, products, and related events may vary by region. You are responsible for ensuring that your participation is in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.