Autobahn Labs LLC is a drug discovery and development engine funded by Samsara BioCapital, Evotec, and KCK Group. 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 Evotec, a world-leading CRO, to translate the science into potential therapeutics.
Autobahn commits up to $5 million in funding and provides the necessary research and development to transform therapeutic projects, or compelling ideas, into validated preclinical drug candidates. A partnership with Autobahn includes access to Evotec's high throughput drug screening and discovery platforms, drug optimization and validation, as well as basic research and preclinical work with cell lines, primary human cells, iPSCs, and animal models. Projects can span various drug modalities including small molecules, antibodies, and other biologics, gene, and cell therapy. All work is done in close collaboration with the academic founders who are expected to be intimately involved throughout the drug development process.
First, as an investor and partner, Evotec provides their extensive drug discovery and development expertise. Second, Autobahn’s investor base has a long-term view of investing so we can remain involved in a project with our partner universities and faculty for years. Third, we take promising science and generate actionable data in the most capital-efficient way possible.
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. We intend to conduct much of the preclinical work at Evotec, who has deep expertise across therapeutic modalities.
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:
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.
Scientific Merit
Development Potential
Opportunity For Impact
To express interest, submit your project information.