Promise Bio, a Tel Aviv-based biotech company, has officially exited stealth mode, backed by pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and AstraZeneca. The company's groundbreaking AI-driven platform promises to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Beyond AI Drug Discovery
Unlike many other AI-focused biotech companies, Promise Bio is not primarily focused on drug discovery. Instead, the company has developed a cloud-based platform capable of identifying specific Post-Translational Modifications (PTMs) in proteins from a single blood sample. This technology represents a significant advancement over traditional methods, which require multiple separate tests to detect these 200 different protein modifications.
PTMs: Key to Precision Medicine
PTMs play a crucial role in understanding and treating autoimmune diseases. By analyzing these modifications, Promise Bio can provide a more comprehensive and accurate picture of a patient's disease state. This level of precision opens the door for personalized treatment plans, similar to the advancements in genomics that have transformed cancer care.
A Personal Journey
Promise Bio CEO Ronel Veksler's journey to founding the company was driven by a combination of personal experience and a passion for precision medicine. With a background in medicine and engineering, Veksler recognized the need for a more effective approach to treating autoimmune diseases.
A Serendipitous Meeting
The turning point for Promise Bio came when Veksler's wife, Gal Noyman-Veksler, introduced him to Yifat Merbl, a senior scientist at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Merbl was developing the computational biology technology that would form the foundation of Promise Bio. The synergy between Veksler's vision and Merbl's expertise led to the company's formation in January 2023.
Strategic Partnerships
Promise Bio has already established partnerships with multiple large hospitals in the United States and Israel, as well as with pharmaceutical giants AstraZeneca and Pfizer. These collaborations provide the company with valuable data and resources to refine its technology and expand its reach.
A Promising Future
Promise Bio's recent $8.3 million seed round, led by Awz Ventures, is a testament to the company's potential. The funding will be used to grow the team and further develop the company's database of PTM data.
The Potential Impact
Autoimmune diseases affect an estimated 4% of the global population. By providing a more precise and personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment, Promise Bio has the potential to significantly improve the lives of millions of people. As the company continues to advance its technology, it is poised to become a leader in the field of precision medicine.
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