The AI Impact with Generate:Biomedicines' Mike Nally
Mar 25, 2024
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Mike Nally from Generate:Biomedicines discusses the AI impact in biotech, emphasizing generative biology's work in drug discovery. Topics include exploring protein language for therapeutics, funding rounds, transformative AI impact, functional protein database, AI challenges in drug discovery, and navigating success and failure in the biotech industry.
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Quick takeaways
Flagship Pioneering's Generate Biomedicines is at the forefront of 'generative biology' work by combining machine learning, biological engineering, and medicine.
Mike Nally's career journey emphasizes the importance of finding purpose in work and gaining diverse experiences to drive professional growth in the biotech industry.
Generate Biomedicines showcases the significance of merging traditional biology with computational expertise to foster collaborative efforts and drive innovative solutions in drug discovery.
Deep dives
Incorporating Machine Learning in Biotech Innovation
The podcast episode delves into the increasing prominence of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the biotech industry. Companies like Flagship Pioneering's Generate Biomedicines are exemplifying the application of sophisticated computational technologies in biologic development. By utilizing machine learning, these companies are harnessing big data to drive innovation and secure substantial funding for transformative initiatives.
Career Evolution and Purpose-Driven Work
The discussion revolves around the career journey of Mike Nally, transitioning from a financial analyst at Merck to becoming the CEO of Generate. Nally highlights the importance of finding purpose in work, shifting from finance to pharmaceuticals for a more meaningful impact. Through various roles at Merck, he gained diverse experiences and mentoring that shaped his professional growth and dedication to the industry's crucial healthcare missions.
Integrating Computational Biology Expertise
The episode emphasizes the significance of marrying traditional biology with computational biology expertise at companies like Generate. Founders like Molly Gibson and Gabor Vergorian have developed an ethos where collaborative efforts between computational scientists and experimental teams drive innovative solutions. By fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and multidisciplinary learning, Generate aims to navigate the complex landscape of drug discovery and development effectively.
Challenges of Data Ownership and Collaboration in Machine Learning
In the podcast, the importance of data sharing and collaboration in the context of machine learning approaches is highlighted. It emphasizes the shift from viewing data as individual power to treating it as a collective asset. Unlike in traditional setups where data ownership can hinder progress, the machine learning approach requires a collective effort where every data point contributes to refining computational models.
Transition to Drug Development and Technology Innovation
The podcast discusses the transition of the company from being a technology-focused entity to one actively involved in drug development. It narrates the journey of bridging technology innovation with drug discovery and the integration of computational and experimental approaches. With a focus on pioneering new areas, the company navigates dualities in leadership and embraces both polar experiences. Ultimately, the aim is to revolutionize large molecule creation by integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional drug development practices.
Few drug discovery and development concepts are as hyped, and as such, draw as much polarity from drug developers, as machine learning and artifical intelligence. One company on the bullish end of the spectrum is Flagship Pioneering's Generate Biomedicines, which bills itself at the "intersection of machine learning, biological engineering, and medicine." To get a grip on the "generative biology" work it's doing and the AI/ML impact it anticipates in the discovery and development of therapeutics, as well as clinical trials, we sat down with veteran biotech builder Mike Nally, CEO at Generate and CEO-Partner at Flagship Pioneering.
Access this and hundreds of episodes of the Business of Biotech videocast under the Listen & Watch tab at bioprocessonline.com.