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The Launch of Inference by Variant Bio

Variant Bio, a leader in genomic-based AI drug discovery, has made headlines by launching Inference, touted as the world’s first agentic genomic drug discovery platform. This innovative platform was developed over seven years, bolstered by more than $100 million in investment dedicated to data and infrastructure.

Fundamentally rethinking how pharmaceutical research teams utilize human genetic data, Inference is set to transform the landscape of drug discovery and target validation. Uniquely designed, Variant Bio integrates proprietary genomic data from global studies with advanced AI processing to offer unparalleled capabilities for researchers.

Exceptional Data Integration and Utilization

The development of Inference has been underpinned by extensive data acquisition. Variant Bio harnessed and unified vast datasets from major genetic studies and biobanks, including proprietary contributions from underrepresented populations. This amalgamation of data enables the platform to process hundreds of billions of genetic associations, establishing itself as the largest cohesive source of public and proprietary genetic data available for drug discovery.

A distinguishing feature of the Inference platform is its architecture. Unlike traditional methods that provide static results, this platform delivers structured, harmonized data, making it readily accessible for dynamic analyses. With its proprietary API, researchers can retrieve gene and variant-level information in seconds, which dramatically enhances the speed and efficiency of their research.

Advanced AI Capabilities

The Inference platform utilizes two groundbreaking AI functionalities designed specifically for accelerating discovery processes. First, VB-Predict constructs molecular models of diseases utilizing comprehensive transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic datasets processed through neural networks. This component aids in predicting traits and pinpointing targets that are closely linked to disease outcomes. Secondly, VB-Atlas creates embeddings from extensive association studies which map the genetic relationships across different phenotypes, allowing for swift identification of relevant genetic links.

The launch introduces Inference Agents, autonomous AI entities proficient in advanced analytical procedures. Leveraging large language models (LLMs), these agents perform complex analyses and facilitate the validation of therapeutic targets by evaluating causality, determining effects, and prioritizing potential causal genes across numerous disease-associated loci. This unique capability positions Inference agents at the frontier of drug discovery, moving beyond conventional data analysis to actionable insights.

Opening Avenues for Collaboration

Initially intended for internal use, Variant Bio is now extending access to the Inference platform to research partners. The platform is central to collaborations with numerous pharmaceutical companies, with more than $200 million in combined deal values. Partners are invited to upload their proprietary datasets securely to the platform, supported by a robust permission protocol to ensure data privacy.

As Variant Bio expands the available dataset on Inference, it continues to incorporate additional public and proprietary datasets, reinforcing the platform's position as a vital tool for genomic research and drug discovery. This approach has been designed to generate significant benefits for both researchers and the communities involved, adhering to Variant Bio's commitment to ethical practices.

Commitment to a Healthier Future

Through the launch of Inference, Variant Bio aims to maximize the potential of genomic data for therapeutic development, ensuring that financial benefits from the platform directly support global communities contributing to genomic research.

As a testament to its capabilities, Variant Bio is launching a dedicated website at inference.bio, providing detailed information on its functionalities and partnership opportunities.

Variant Bio remains committed to exploring and developing life-saving therapies by studying genetic characteristics that define exceptional health traits. Its research, powered by its proprietary Inference platform, combines statistical genetics with advanced AI methodologies to identify promising therapeutic targets—a true boon for the medical community.

Stay updated with Variant Bio’s latest advancements at variantbio.com and through social media platforms including X/Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.