Eli Lilly taps AI to advance antibody drug discovery

USA – Eli Lilly has joined forces with BigHat Biosciences in a new partnership aimed at developing advanced antibody-based medicines using artificial intelligence.

The collaboration, which involves up to two antibody programs, highlights Lilly’s continued investment in AI-driven drug discovery.

BigHat will lead the design and engineering of the antibodies using its powerful Milliner platform.

This cutting-edge technology blends machine learning with a fast, automated lab process to tackle the toughest challenges in antibody development.

The goal is to create better antibody drugs—those that are more precise, easier to manufacture, and less likely to trigger immune reactions—faster than ever before.

While the financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, Lilly is also making a strategic equity investment in BigHat.

In addition, the pharma giant will support BigHat through its Catalyze360 initiative, which provides funding and resources for innovative biotech research.

One key project under this collaboration is BigHat’s in-house program for gastrointestinal cancer.

The treatment, a targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), is expected to begin clinical trials in 2026. BigHat will maintain full control and global rights over this program.

This agreement marks another step in Lilly’s expanding use of AI to boost drug discovery.

In recent years, the company has launched several tech-focused collaborations, including a 2023 partnership with OpenAI to find new antibiotics and a US $409 million deal with Genetic Leap in 2024 to explore RNA-based therapies.

Interestingly, news of this partnership was announced on the same day Eli Lilly revealed strong clinical trial results for its experimental weight-loss pill, orforglipron.

The positive data helped lift the company’s stock, reinforcing Lilly’s growing momentum in both traditional and tech-driven drug innovation.