Alphabet’s Isomorphic Labs Prepares First Human Trials for AI-Designed Cancer Drugs
Alphabet’s AI-driven drug discovery spin-off, Isomorphic Labs (a DeepMind subsidiary), is on the verge of dosing humans with its first AI-designed cancer drugs — a milestone that could revolutionize how we develop therapeutics. Original post on Fortune →
🚀 The Genesis: Four Years of AI-Led R&D
- Founded in 2021 by Demis Hassabis as a spin-out from DeepMind.
- Built on the breakthrough of AlphaFold, the protein structure prediction system now in version 3.
- Over four years, Isomorphic has advanced toward end-to-end digital drug design — modeling proteins, ligand binding, toxicity, and interactions virtually.
💵 Funding & Partnerships Fuel the Vision
- In April 2025, Isomorphic raised $600 million, led by Thrive Capital and Alphabet.
- Secured multi-billion-dollar partnerships with pharma giants Novartis and Eli Lilly, combining AI power with drug development expertise.
🧪 First Clinical Target: Oncology
- First human trials will focus on oncology.
- Human dosing is expected to begin soon, evaluating the safety and early efficacy of AI-designed molecules.
- Isomorphic plans to license successful candidates after initial trials.
🌐 A “Utopian Vision” — Solving All Diseases
- The company’s mission is to one day "solve all diseases" through an AI-powered drug design engine.
- CEO Sir Demis Hassabis, a 2024 Nobel Prize winner, envisions a system that can instantly generate new therapeutics for any disease.
🧩 Why This Matters
- Traditional drug development takes 10–15 years and $1B+ per drug, with high failure rates.
- Isomorphic’s approach could accelerate and de-risk drug discovery, using simulations and AI to optimize compounds before lab testing.
- If successful, this could mark a shift from trial-and-error drug discovery to AI-driven precision medicine.
💬 Community & Industry Reactions
On Reddit’s r/singularity, reactions ranged from hopeful to cautious:
“This is a monumental step for AI and us as a society.” “As a type 1 diabetic this is incredible news to hear.”
The scientific and tech communities are watching closely to see if Isomorphic’s bold vision holds up in the real world.
🔮 Looking Ahead: Trials & Beyond
- Next milestone: patient dosing in cancer trials.
- Future plans include expanding to immunology, neurology, and metabolic diseases.
- Key questions: Will AI-designed drugs meet safety standards? Can the process be scaled? Will pricing and access be fair?
Final Thoughts
Isomorphic Labs’ entry into human trials signals a potential turning point in drug development. Backed by AI breakthroughs, substantial funding, and pharma partnerships, the company’s dream of “solving all diseases” may not be as far-fetched as it once seemed. Whether it works — and whether society is ready for it — remains to be seen.