Nvidia and Genentech Collaborate to Accelerate AI-Based Drug Discovery

Silicon Valley’s Nvidia joins forces with Roche’s Genentech subsidiary to revolutionize drug discovery and development through AI.

In a significant move towards advancing artificial intelligence (AI) in the life sciences sector, Nvidia, the microprocessing giant, has announced a strategic collaboration with Genentech, a subsidiary of Roche. The joint effort aims to leverage the combined strengths of Nvidia’s accelerated computing technologies and Genentech’s expertise in biological and molecular datasets to accelerate drug discovery and development processes.

At a recent media briefing, Dr. John Marioni, Senior Vice President and Head of Computational Sciences at Genentech Research and Early Development (gRED), expressed excitement about the partnership. “We’re ready to take that next leap in our use of AI, and that requires truly outstanding scientific computing. And it’s here that we’re so excited to partner with Nvidia,” stated Marioni.

The collaboration involves the integration of Nvidia’s accelerated computing and AI capabilities with Genentech’s generative AI models and algorithms. The companies are committed to advancing therapies in various programs, with a particular focus on key areas such as neuroscience and oncology.

Genentech’s pipeline spans immunology, infectious disease, neuroscience, oncology, and ophthalmology, while Roche’s broader focus includes hematology, rare diseases, respiratory, and women’s health.

The collaboration will utilize Nvidia’s DGX™ Cloud platform, specifically designed for generative AI applications in drug discovery. Genentech’s AI and machine learning teams will work on optimizing their algorithms and models through this cloud-based service, including BioNeMo™, to facilitate faster drug discovery and design.

Notably, the collaboration extends beyond early target discovery, potentially expanding into manufacturing applications. However, the initial focus remains on accelerating drug discovery through the application of AI and computational models.

Genentech and Nvidia have not disclosed the financial terms or duration of their partnership but have referred to it as a multi-year arrangement. The collaboration reflects a broader trend in the pharmaceutical industry, with other major players like Amgen, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, and Insilico Medicine partnering with Nvidia to harness the power of AI in drug development.

The transformative impact of AI on healthcare is evident, with companies increasingly turning to advanced computing technologies to expedite the discovery and development of life-changing medicines. As the collaboration progresses, Genentech and Nvidia anticipate significant advancements in how foundational models are trained and utilized across various therapeutic modalities, ushering in a new era of innovation in drug discovery.