Deep Genomics is a biotechnology company specializing in artificial intelligence–driven genetic therapy development. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with an additional office in Boston, Massachusetts, the company operates on the principle that the future of medical innovation lies in artificial intelligence, given the inherent complexity of biological systems. Deep Genomics develops AI-based biological models to identify and treat genetic disorders.
Scientific Approach and Research Focus
Deep Genomics aims to decode the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic diseases by analyzing RNA biology through an AI-powered research platform. Its studies focus on programming RNA as a therapeutic tool and identifying molecular targets for genetic conditions. The company’s systems evaluate RNA biology data to assess genetic variants and determine the most promising therapeutic candidates.
AI Platform and BigRNA Model
The company’s core technological infrastructure consists of large-scale datasets, data processing pipelines, machine learning systems (including foundation models and large language models), and software engineering frameworks. Designed for biological accuracy, this AI platform models genetic interactions with high resolution.
In 2018, the platform identified splicing errors in RNA and proposed the first therapeutic targets for their correction. In 2023, Deep Genomics released BigRNA, the world’s first foundation model for RNA biology—an AI system capable of predicting RNA expression at sub-gene resolution. BigRNA performs multiple functions, including:
- Genetic target identification
- Prediction of molecule–target interactions
- Therapeutic candidate design
- Development of surrogate molecules for in vivo testing
Its successor, BigRNA+, is designed to enable the exploration of new biological mechanisms and genetic variants associated with more complex hereditary diseases.
Publications and Scientific Contributions
Researchers at Deep Genomics have published extensively on RNA biology, genetic variant interpretation, and deep learning applications in genomics. Their studies have appeared in journals such as Nature Biotechnology, Science, NPJ Genomic Medicine, Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, and Nucleic Acid Therapeutics.
One of the company’s landmark papers, “The Human Splicing Code Reveals New Insights into the Genetic Determinants of Disease” (2015), represented one of the earliest comprehensive applications of deep learning to gene regulation and disease association.
Leadership and Expertise
The leadership team includes Brendan Frey (Founder and Chief Innovation Officer), Brian O’Callaghan (Chief Executive Officer), and Greg Hoffman (Chief Scientific Officer). Deep Genomics employs over 100 professionals specializing in AI, molecular biology, organic chemistry, clinical development, in vitro disease modeling, automation, and software engineering.
Advisors to the company include prominent figures such as Yann LeCun, Masad Damha, Jennifer Cook, and Benjamin Neale, who contribute expertise across AI research, molecular therapeutics, and computational genomics.
Location and Research Ecosystem
Deep Genomics’ headquarters are located in the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, surrounded by major academic and research institutions, including the University of Toronto, research hospitals, and the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence. This positioning provides a strategic advantage for fostering collaborations between academia and industry.
Financial and Corporate Structure
Deep Genomics is backed by global investment funds such as SBIA, Fidelity, CPP Investments, Khosla Ventures, and True Ventures. Its board of directors includes members with backgrounds spanning academia, biotechnology, and venture capital.
Scientific Vision
Deep Genomics envisions a future where RNA therapeutics can provide practical treatments for “every gene and every genetic condition.” Leveraging scalable AI-driven discovery platforms, the company seeks to accelerate the identification of novel genetic targets and the development of precision therapies for complex and rare diseases.
