At a Glance
- Company: Galux, Inc.
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Deal value: ₩42 billion (US$29 million) Series B
- Focus area: AI-driven de novo protein design for GPCRs, ion channels
- Next steps: Platform expansion, pipeline advancement, partnerships
What happened?
South Korean AI biotech Galux has closed a ₩42 billion (US$29 million) Series B financing round to accelerate development of its GaluxDesign platform. The funding will support expansion of AI models for designing novel proteins, particularly targeting challenging G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels.
Why does it matter?
GaluxDesign integrates physics-based modelling with machine learning to enable de novo protein design, achieving high-affinity binders from minimal computational outputs. Success in GPCRs—historically “undruggable” targets—could unlock new therapies in neurology, oncology and metabolic disease, where traditional discovery struggles.
Who’s behind it?
Galux was spun out of Seoul National University by protein modelling pioneer Professor Chaok Seok. The company has demonstrated epitope-specific antibodies with picomolar affinity and cryo-EM validation, positioning it among leaders in precision protein engineering.
How was it achieved?
The platform unifies structure prediction, protein-protein/ligand interactions and multi-property optimisation, validated across therapeutic targets like PD-L1 and HER2. Recent breakthroughs show 30%+ hit rates from just 50 designs, shifting from library screening to rational engineering.
What’s next?
Galux plans to scale partnerships, advance internal candidates toward clinic and tackle multi-specifics/scaffolds. Funding extends runway for GPCR/ion channel programmes and global collaborations.