Chai Discovery, a San Francisco-based artificial intelligence company specializing in protein-based therapeutics, has announced a collaboration with Roche to integrate its AI models and molecular design platform into multiple drug discovery programs across Roche's therapeutic areas.
The agreement will enable Roche to utilize Chai's computational tools to support the identification and design of therapeutic molecules, potentially improving the efficiency of early-stage drug discovery. The companies have not disclosed specific therapeutic targets, financial terms, or development timelines associated with the collaboration.
Chai Discovery develops AI models designed to analyze biological structures and functions, generate molecular designs, and support research into targets that have historically presented challenges for conventional drug discovery approaches.
Its latest model, Chai-3, is designed to generate protein-based therapeutic candidates with improved target-binding characteristics. According to the company, the model has demonstrated high target success rates and binding affinities, including against challenging biological targets.
“We are delighted to see Chai's models being used by Roche in their portfolio,” said Joshua Meier, co-founder and CEO of Chai Discovery. “This expands the range of therapeutic programs that can benefit from AI-driven molecular design.”
Roche views the collaboration as complementary to its broader research and development activities.
"Chai’s platform aligns well with our research strategy," said Boris L. Zaïtra, Head of Corporate Business Development at Roche. "We look forward to collaborating to advance drug discovery programs."
Founded in 2024 by Joshua Meier, Jack Dent, Matthew McPartlon, and Jacques Boitreaud, Chai Discovery combines expertise in artificial intelligence, computational biology, and molecular engineering. Its technology focuses on designing therapeutic molecules computationally rather than relying exclusively on traditional experimental screening and iterative discovery processes.
The Roche agreement follows several pharmaceutical collaborations announced by Chai Discovery during 2026, reflecting its efforts to expand the application of AI-based protein design across drug development pipelines.
For Roche, the collaboration provides access to additional computational capabilities that could complement existing discovery workflows. For Chai Discovery, it represents another opportunity to apply its technology within established pharmaceutical research programs.
The partnership reflects continued industry interest in integrating generative AI into molecular discovery, although the clinical and commercial impact of these approaches remains dependent on subsequent experimental validation and development outcomes.#
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