Despite some funding challenges, biotech continues to be a fertile ground of innovation, with new companies emerging to tackle some of the most pressing scientific and medical challenges through a diversity of approaches. From AI-driven drug discovery to novel cancer therapeutics, these five biotech startups are poised to make waves in 2025.
Tegmine Therapeutics: Unlocking the Power of Glycan-Modified Proteins
Tegmine Therapeutics, founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, is pioneering the development of antibody-based therapies that target glycan-modified proteins. These protein modifications, often found in cancer cells, offer a promising avenue for more selective and effective treatments. Tegmine’s lead technology, the TegMiner™ platform, employs CRISPR-engineered cells and mass spectrometry to identify unique cancer epitopes. These targets can be leveraged for antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), CAR-T therapies, bispecific antibodies, and radiotherapies.
Tegmine's proprietary discovery engine has enabled the identification of several novel glycan-modified proteins associated with solid tumors, creating opportunities for first-in-class therapeutics. The company is currently advancing multiple preclinical programs, with its lead candidate expected to enter clinical trials in late 2025. In addition to oncology applications, Tegmine is exploring potential immunotherapy solutions for autoimmune diseases by targeting aberrant glycan signatures present in inflammatory conditions.
In 2022, Tegmine partnered with Alloy Therapeutics to accelerate antibody discovery, strengthening its position in the oncology space. The collaboration integrates Tegmine’s unique antigen identification platform with Alloy’s humanized antibody discovery services, aiming to generate high-affinity antibodies for therapeutic applications. Additionally, the company has established research agreements with academic institutions and industry partners to validate its approach across various tumor types.
With a seed funding round of $6 million and ongoing discussions with venture capital firms for a Series A raise, Tegmine is poised to expand its pipeline and push the boundaries of precision cancer treatment. As research progresses, the company aims to translate its novel antibody therapies into clinical solutions that improve patient outcomes while minimizing toxicity.
Latent Labs: AI-Powered Protein Design
Founded in early 2025 by former DeepMind scientist Simon Kohl, Latent Labs is revolutionizing drug discovery with artificial intelligence (AI). The company employs AI-driven protein design tools to accelerate the development of antibody therapeutics, aiming to cut costs and timelines associated with traditional drug discovery. Latent Labs has already secured $50 million in funding, attracting significant attention from pharmaceutical companies eager to integrate AI into their R&D efforts.
Latent Labs utilizes deep learning and generative AI models to design synthetic proteins with optimized binding affinity and specificity. By leveraging massive data sets and computational modeling, the company can predict and refine protein interactions at an unprecedented scale. This approach enables the rapid development of novel antibodies and biologics with enhanced efficacy and reduced immunogenicity.
The company is currently collaborating with multiple pharmaceutical partners to integrate its AI-driven platform into drug discovery pipelines. Latent Labs' proprietary algorithms facilitate de novo protein generation, reducing the reliance on traditional trial-and-error methodologies. Additionally, the company is developing its own internal pipeline of AI-designed antibodies, with a focus on oncology, neurodegenerative diseases, and rare genetic disorders.
Beyond drug discovery, Latent Labs is exploring the broader applications of AI-driven protein design in industrial and agricultural biotechnology. Their models have the potential to engineer enzymes for more sustainable manufacturing processes and develop novel biomaterials with tailored functionalities. With an expanding portfolio of partnerships and research initiatives, Latent Labs is poised to redefine the intersection of artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
Manas AI: Machine Learning Meets Oncology
Co-founded by tech entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and cancer researcher Siddhartha Mukherjee, Manas AI is bringing cutting-edge AI to oncology drug development. With a $24.6 million initial investment, the company is focused on discovering and optimizing therapeutics for breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. Manas AI integrates large-scale data sets, predictive modeling, and deep learning algorithms to accelerate the identification of promising drug candidates. Their AI-driven approach aims to streamline the traditionally slow and expensive drug development process, offering hope for more rapid breakthroughs in oncology treatment.
Manas AI's proprietary machine learning models analyze vast amounts of genomic, proteomic, and clinical data to identify patterns and correlations that might be overlooked through conventional research methods. By applying these insights, the company is able to refine and optimize drug candidates earlier in the development process, reducing failure rates and improving overall efficiency.
The company is currently engaging in strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions and pharmaceutical firms to validate its AI-driven drug discovery framework. Through these collaborations, Manas AI is working to refine predictive modeling techniques and apply them to new therapeutic areas beyond oncology, including metabolic and autoimmune diseases.
One of Manas AI’s most promising initiatives is its AI-powered virtual screening platform, which rapidly assesses potential drug interactions and identifies candidates with the highest likelihood of success in clinical trials. This approach not only accelerates the pace of drug discovery but also enhances precision medicine efforts by identifying patient-specific biomarkers that can guide treatment decisions.
Constructive Bio: Engineering the Future of Synthetic Biology
A potentially disruptive spinout from the University of Cambridge, Constructive Bio is redefining synthetic biology by designing new chemical building blocks and microbial biofactories. The company specializes in engineering microbes to produce high-value compounds, such as biodegradable plastics and next-generation pesticides, through sustainable and scalable biomanufacturing methods.
Constructive Bio is leveraging advanced gene-editing techniques to engineer microorganisms capable of producing complex molecules that were previously difficult or impossible to manufacture biologically. Their approach allows for the development of fully synthetic microbial strains tailored to perform specific biosynthetic functions. These custom-designed microbes can be employed in pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical synthesis.
HaemaLogiX: Advancing Blood Cancer Therapies
Australian biotech company HaemaLogiX is at the forefront of developing novel treatments for multiple myeloma. Their lead candidate KappaMab is a monoclonal antibody designed to target specific markers on malignant plasma cells.
In addition to KappaMab, HaemaLogiX is advancing other immunotherapy candidates targeting rare hematologic malignancies. The company is focused on leveraging monoclonal antibody platforms to address currently unmet medical needs in blood cancer treatment. By developing therapies that enhance immune system response, HaemaLogiX aims to improve patient outcomes while minimizing toxicity.
With a planned IPO on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in 2025, HaemaLogiX is preparing to expand its clinical programs and establish a broader presence in the global oncology space. The company is also forming partnerships with leading academic institutions and biotech firms to accelerate drug development and regulatory approvals.
These five biotech startups exemplify the industry's relentless pursuit of innovation, leveraging advanced technologies to address critical medical and industrial challenges. As they continue to develop groundbreaking therapies and solutions, they stand to shape the future of biotechnology in the years ahead.