Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Biotech unit has signed a multi-target research collaboration with Isomorphic Labs, an Alphabet-backed startup at the forefront of AI-driven drug design. The partnership aims to combine planet-scale computing power with deep pharmaceutical expertise to tackle some of biology’s most challenging targets.
Collaboration scope and technological focus While previous major partnerships for Isomorphic focused on small-molecule therapeutics, the alliance with J&J expands into large-molecule and biologics design. Key responsibilities are divided as follows:
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Isomorphic Labs: Will handle the in silico prediction and design phase, utilizing its foundational engine built on AlphaFold 3 technology to model molecular interactions with high precision.
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Johnson & Johnson: Will conduct experimental assays and assume full responsibility for advancing successful candidates through the clinical development pipeline.
Strategic significance and market context This deal marks another high-profile win for Isomorphic Labs, following earlier billion-dollar collaborations with Eli Lilly and Novartis. The mission is to unlock “uncharted frontiers in biology” by reaching drug targets that have historically remained elusive to traditional research methods.
The financial terms of this specific alliance were not disclosed; however, the partnership follows Isomorphic’s successful $600 million external funding round in 2025. By leveraging AI-first methodologies, the two companies hope to transform the drug discovery landscape, making it faster, more accurate, and capable of addressing previously untreatable diseases.
Source: https://pharmaphorum.com/news/jj-bets-isomorphic-ai-powered-drug-hunt