Claude takes aim at deadly scorpion venom, designs 318,484 proteins in just 64 hours

In a development that could accelerate antivenom research, Claude generated over 318,000 protein designs in just 64 hours, with 17 passing laboratory binding tests against dangerous scorpion neurotoxins. The research, conducted with input from Citrini Research and laboratory testing by Adaptyv Bio and Twist Bioscience, tested 211 selected designs, of which 17 met strict binding criteria. The strongest candidates attached to a Mexican scorpion toxin with single-digit nanomolar affinity, indicating a tight molecular interaction. The results establish an early step toward potential antivenom development, rather than a working treatment. Thousands of proteins screenedScorpion stings affect at least 1.2 million people worldwide each year, causing more than 3,250 deaths, primarily among children in regions with limited access to medical care.

First reported by Interesting Engineering. This page is a short excerpt; the full text is theirs.