Latus Bio Accelerates AAV Gene Therapy with Major AI/ML Expansion

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Latus Bio, a biotechnology company focused on advancing adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy, today announced a significant expansion of its artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) strategy. The strategic evolution positions the company to be at the forefront of AI-driven innovation in AAV capsid discovery and payload design.

Leveraging a Massive In Vivo Dataset

Latus Bio is distinguishing itself by beginning with one of the most expansive AAV datasets in the industry—not an AI-first approach. This dataset comprises results from nine extensive in vivo campaigns in non-human primates, covering over 100 million unique “delivery zip codes” (route-capsid-tissue-cell type pairings).  “AI/ML enables us to supercharge one of the most expansive AAV datasets in the industry,” said P. Peter Ghoroghchian, MD, PhD, CEO of Latus Bio. “With this strategy, we’re not just leveraging our platform to advance our own pipeline but also laying the groundwork for improved delivery solutions across the gene therapy field.”

By layering advanced computational models atop this proven in vivo screening data, Latus aims to transform its delivery-first philosophy into a predictive engine. This approach is expected to dramatically shorten discovery timelines and unlock new delivery tropisms beyond traditional tissues like liver, muscle, and eye.

Three Core Areas of AI/ML Focus

The company’s new initiative will concentrate on three core areas to sharpen its competitive edge:

1. AAV Capsid Engineering: Developing tissue- and cell-type-specific tropism.
2. Payload Engineering: Optimizing regulatory elements and transgene constructs.
3. Bespoke Therapeutic Tailoring: Customizing solutions for internal programs and strategic partnerships.

AI/ML models are expected to efficiently prioritize capsid-tissue pairings, guide the design of therapeutic payloads, and uncover hidden sequence-function relationships that traditional screening might miss, leading to faster and more finely tuned gene therapy solutions.