Can AI find the right antibody for a drug target? ImmunitoAI thinks so

ImmunitoAI, a Bengaluru-based startup, utilizes artificial intelligence to identify antibodies that can attach to specific protein spots, known as epitopes, linked to diseases. The company's platform, AbInitio, designs antibodies for chosen targets and epitopes, which are subsequently tested in their own laboratory. This innovative approach was born out of Dr Aridni Shah's PhD research on honeybees, which faced antibody challenges due to the species' non-model organism status.

Co-founders Dr Shah and Trisha Chatterjee developed the idea after realizing drugmakers also grappled with similar antibody challenges. AbInitio trains on 3D structures from the Protein Data Bank and transforms atoms' 3D coordinates into graphs to design antibodies, nanobodies, and other antibody-like structures. The platform considers drug-like properties during the design stage to minimize rework later.

ImmunitoAI currently tests its designs in the lab to determine which antibodies bind to their targets and assess their drug properties. The startup is pre-revenue and preclinical, with candidates showing functional relevance and potency in cell-based assays. ImmunitoAI plans to work with pharmaceutical companies, either by out-licensing its drug candidates or by helping partners find suitable candidates.

The company also generates data to enhance its platform. With funding from Ashish Kacholia's Ashish Kacholia and 3one4 Capital, ImmunitoAI aims to expand into the US and Europe, continuously improving its AI platform.