Insilico Medicine Raises $110M to Advance AI Drug Design, Unveils its Humanoid Lab Robot

Insilico Medicine has raised $110 million in Series E funding to support clinical trials and further develop its AI-driven drug discovery programs. The round was led by Hong Kong‑based Value Partners, with participation from existing backers including Warburg Pincus, OrbiMed Advisors, and Eli Lilly’s venture arm, as well as new, undisclosed investors. This funding has brought the company’s valuation to over $1 billion, according to Bloomberg.

CEO Alex Zhavoronkov commented that the funds raised "will accelerate the advancement of [their] drug pipeline and AI platform", adding that the company remains dedicated to its mission of extending productive longevity.

The proceeds will support pivotal clinical trials for Insilico’s lead drug candidate, rentosertib, which is being developed for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Originally known as ISM001-055, the compound was renamed after receiving its official generic drug name from the United States Adopted Names Council. Reportedly, generative AI played a crucial role in designing both its molecular structure and biological target.

Phase IIa trial in China involving 71 patients demonstrated dose‑dependent improvements in lung capacity after three months, along with enhanced quality‑of‑life scores based on a chronic cough scale. In addition, Insilico has begun dosing patients in Phase I trials in the U.S. and China for ISM6331, a molecule targeting mesothelioma and other solid tumors.

Currently, Insilico manages a portfolio of 30 drug candidates—10 of which have secured FDA clearance for human studies. Its AI platform reportedly enables drug design and testing within an average of 13 months.

Insilico's humanoid robot 'Supervisor' learning lab techniques by mimicking a scientist's movements.

Alongside its drug discovery efforts, Insilico has unveiled its first prototype of a humanoid lab robot, dubbed "Supervisor". The bipedal robot is engineered to learn the skills of human scientists and will perform routine laboratory tasks such as pipetting, handling reagents, and operating lab equipment.

In 2022, Insilico Medicine initiated the development of its own AI-run robotics lab to overcome challenges in traditional laboratory automation. Most lab equipment is designed for human operation, limiting the feasibility of fully autonomous facilities—current systems like autonomous guided vehicles still require human intervention for tasks such as reagent changes and maintenance. By incorporating humanoid capabilities into its workflows, Insilico aims to reduce manual intervention and feed experimental data directly into its PandaOmics platform for improved target identification and hypothesis validation.

Potential IPO Plans and Strategic Partnerships

Insilico is considering an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong but has not set a definitive timeline. The company previously filed for a Hong Kong IPO in 2023 and 2024 but withdrew both applications before reaching the investor order stage. CEO Alex Zhavoronkov told Bloomberg, "We’re considering timing and listing options, primarily looking at Hong Kong," adding that "we’re under no pressure as we have extremely healthy revenues and can also comfortably raise a good amount of capital."

In addition, Insilico has established strategic licensing and drug discovery agreements with companies such as Fosun Pharma, Exelixis, Sanofi, and Saudi Aramco Oil, with total contract values approaching $3.5 billion. The company benefits from milestone payments and royalties on its AI-designed assets.

Topics: AI & Digital