Lilly Opens AI Drug-Discovery Models to Biotechs for Free via TuneLab Platform

Eli Lilly launched a platform called TuneLab that provides biotech companies free access to AI drug discovery models trained on Lilly's extensive research data spanning decades and costing over $1 billion to compile2 5 3 4.

In exchange for free access, biotechs are expected to contribute their own de-identified data to further refine and improve Lilly’s AI models, accelerating drug discovery for all parties2 3 5.

TuneLab initially offers 18 AI models:
12 for predicting small-molecule drug properties and 6 for assessing antibody development potential5.

Lilly uses federated learning—meaning companies can leverage the models without directly exchanging proprietary data, maintaining privacy while enabling collaborative learning4.

Insitro is a key partner, building advanced machine learning models in collaboration with Lilly to predict pharmacological properties of small molecules, including in vivo behavior1 3 4.

More models and features are planned for future TuneLab releases, expanding to additional data types and drug modalities2 4.

Early biotech participants include Circle Pharma, Firefly Bio, and Superluminal Medicines, all of whom are developing innovative therapies3 4.

This initiative aims to democratize access to advanced AI drug-discovery tools, significantly lowering barriers for smaller companies that lack the resources of large pharmaceutical firms2 4 5.

The data-sharing model protects proprietary information while allowing continuous mutual improvement of the AI systems3 4.

TuneLab is part of Lilly’s Catalyze360 external development program, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to open innovation within the pharmaceutical ecosystem5.