Anthropic opens Bay Area biology lab to accelerate AI drug discovery

Anthropic has quietly established a physical biology laboratory in the San Francisco Bay Area to advance its AI-driven drug science program, confirmed by its head of life sciences, Eric Kauderer-Abrams. The wet lab conducts real-world experiments alongside computer evaluations, with Kauderer-Abrams stating that final biological tests require physical lab work. Anthropic aims to automate lab processes using its Claude AI to direct robotic units, though it maintains human oversight is essential for safety. The initiative targets rare and "undruggable" diseases that pharmaceutical companies neglect, though the company says it is not competing with industry on clinical trials. Anthropic has acquired startup Coefficient Bio and added Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan to its board, while preparing for a potential $2 trillion IPO.