Anthropic has confirmed it operates a wet biology lab in the Bay Area where it can use its AI models to run physical experiments. The lab is part of the company's broader efforts to advance life sciences research, according to the company.
The lab operates like most biotech labs, with Anthropic conducting some research there while also working with external partners. The company declined to give specifics on what the wet lab is working on, but stated the main focus is fundamental biology, not drug discovery.
"We believe that to do biology, the final test is still, and will be for a while, in real lab work," said Eric Kauderer-Abrams, Anthropic’s head of life sciences. He added that the lab is an integral part of the company's strategy to advance biological research.
The announcement follows Anthropic’s acquisition of Coefficient Bio, a stealth AI biotech, in April. The company has also launched a Life Sciences Verification Program this week, giving vetted bio researchers access to its most powerful models.
Anthropic did not say what specific experiments the lab is conducting, and emphasized that its focus remains on fundamental biology rather than drug discovery. The company also published recent reports on research supporting drug discovery, including work on protein design and bimolecular modeling.
Source: techcrunch
