Autobahn Labs LLC is a venture studio that partners with academic scientists to launch innovative drug discovery programs. Their goal is to catalyze the translation of nascent academic projects from partner institutions into transformational new medicines. These programs, often too embryonic to attract conventional life sciences venture capital, will be shepherded by a team of experienced drug developers, in conjunction with an R&D partner Charles River Laboratories, a world-leading CRO, to accelerate the translation of academic discoveries into novel therapeutics.
Autobahn commits up to $5 million in funding and provides the necessary research and development to transform therapeutic research projects into validated preclinical drug candidates. Projects can span various drug modalities. All work is done in close collaboration with the academic founders who are expected to be intimately involved throughout the drug development process.
For inquiries, please contact Thomas Novak (CSO) at tom@autobahn-labs.com or Dimitre Simeonov (Head of S&E) at dimitre@autobahn-labs.com.
Early-stage investment. Autobahn invests in programs up to 3-4 years from the clinic – long before they are ready for traditional funding.
Master agreements. Autobahn works through pre-negotiated agreements with the university that enable projects to start quickly, without long negotiations, and ensure win/win terms for all stakeholders.
Academic partnerships. Autobahn works closely with UCSD and 8 other university partners – the organization is committed to detailed feedback and transparency. Academics remain essential scientific leaders on their projects throughout development.
Preferred CRO partner. Charles River Lab's investment in Autobahn provides priority access to best-in-class drug discovery capabilities and R&D scientific teams.
The goal of Autobahn Labs is to identify and support promising research projects, ranging from conception to more mature programs that have not yet reached the Preclinical Development Candidate stage (i.e. ready for IND-enabling studies) but have the potential to become novel therapeutics. Investigators do not need to have projects with compounds to be considered. In general, Autobahn is agnostic to disease area and therapeutic approach.
Please note that startups and programs that have already been licensed are not eligible.
Successful programs have the following qualities:
In Scope:
Out of Scope: