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Feature Story
Ex-Stanford President Tessier-Lavigne’s Drug Startup Xaira Pulls In $1 Billion
Apr 24, 2024 · bloomberg.com
The startup's primary goal is to utilize artificial intelligence models to discover new drugs for treating diseases. The substantial funding and Tessier-Lavigne's leadership are expected to drive the company's innovative approach to drug discovery.
Key takeaways
- Marc Tessier-Lavigne, former president of Stanford University, has been appointed as the CEO of a drug development startup, Xaira Therapeutics.
- Tessier-Lavigne resigned from Stanford last year due to questions about his scientific research.
- Xaira Therapeutics launched with $1 billion in capital commitments from major Silicon Valley firms such as Sequoia Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners.
- The company plans to use artificial intelligence models to discover new drugs for treating diseases.