Model Medicines has garnered significant industry attention following the recent preprint publications demonstrating end-to-end drug discovery capabilities—novel target and Mechanism of Action(MoA) discovery, novel chemical discovery, and preclinical Proof-of-Concept (PoC)--against a first-in-class Target Product Profile (TPP) at unprecedented hit rates (100%) leveraging Generative-AI, Multi-Modal Models and a 0/1-Shot Discovery Approach.    

1. 2025 - Novel Molecule Library for Novel Target -  GALILEO Generatively Expands Chemical Space and Achieves One-Shot Identification of a Library of Novel, Specific, Next Generation Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Compounds at High Hit Rates

   
   

2. 2025 - Novel-Acting Molecule for Novel Target - MDL-001: An Oral, Safe, and Well-Tolerated Broad-Spectrum Inhibitor of Viral Polymerases

   
   

3. 2024 - Novel Target Discovery - Discovery of RdRp Thumb-1 as a novel broad-spectrum antiviral family of targets and MDL-001 as a potent broad-spectrum inhibitor thereof

   
   

4. 2024 - Novel-Acting Molecule for Undruggable Target  ChemPrint: An AI-Driven Framework for Enhanced Drug Discovery
   

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News’ (GEN) named Model Medicines as one of “Ten Companies to Watch in AI Drug Discovery,” and the company was recently profiled in Fierce Biotech, spotlighting our groundbreaking approach to antiviral therapeutics, targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp) across multiple viral families.

These recognitions underscore Model Medicines’ pioneering work in leveraging AI to accelerate antiviral drug discovery, culminating in its lead candidate, MDL-001, a first-in-class broad-spectrum antiviral targeting a novel, conserved site on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). With MDL-001 demonstrating preclinical efficacy exceeding that of industry standards like Paxlovid, Model Medicines is rapidly establishing itself as a major force in AI-powered drug development.

Fierce Biotech: AI-Driven Discovery of a Broad-Spectrum Antiviral

In an in-depth feature, Fierce Biotech highlighted how Model Medicines is “thumbing its nose at RNA viruses” with MDL-001, a highly potent, oral, broad-spectrum antiviral​. Unlike conventional antivirals that require multiple drugs or target single viral families, MDL-001 inhibits a structurally conserved allosteric site (Thumb-1) in RdRp, a key enzyme for viral replication across multiple RNA viruses.

The Fierce Biotech article emphasized key breakthroughs enabled by Model Medicines’ AI-driven platform, GALILEO™, including:

• Zero-shot drug discovery: Identified MDL-001 as a potent RdRp Thumb-1 inhibitor without requiring traditional trial-and-error screening.

• Superior preclinical efficacy: MDL-001’s viral load reduction (2.9 Log10) in lung tissue exceeds that of nirmatrelvir (1.4–1.9 Log10), Paxlovid’s active ingredient​.

• Broad-spectrum antiviral activity: MDL-001 has demonstrated efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, norovirus, influenza, and hepatitis C in both in vitro and in vivo studies.

• Oral bioavailability and outpatient potential: Unlike IV-administered antivirals, MDL-001 is a once-daily oral drug, making it a critical candidate for rapid pandemic response​. 

Dr. Daniel Haders, CEO of Model Medicines, stated in Fierce Biotech, “MDL-001 represents a paradigm shift in antiviral therapy. With a single small molecule, we’ve demonstrated broad-spectrum efficacy and the potential to dramatically alter how we combat emerging viral threats.”

Fierce Biotech Highlights Model Medicines’ Hub-and-Spoke Model: The VIROMME™ Program

Beyond MDL-001, Fierce Biotech also highlighted Model Medicines' VIROMME™ program, a dedicated infectious disease initiative designed to rapidly develop antiviral therapies using AI-driven drug discovery​. . VIROMME marks the company’s first indication-specific spin-out, aligning with proven hub-and-spoke models successfully deployed in biotech and pharma.

Building the Hub-and-Spoke Model in AI Drug Discovery

Pharmaceutical companies such as Roivant Sciences, BridgeBio, and Nimbus Therapeutics have demonstrated the effectiveness of the hub-and-spoke approach, where a centralized AI or discovery platform (the "hub") generates independent, asset-focused biotech spinouts (spokes).

Model Medicines is leveraging this model to scale AI-powered drug discovery, with VIROMME™ serving as the first major spoke within its broader platform. This structure allows for:

• Focused asset development: VIROMME consolidates AI-driven efforts specifically on infectious diseases, maximizing efficiency and execution.

• Rapid commercialization opportunities: Each spoke, starting with VIROMME, can advance drug candidates through partnerships, licensing, or IPOs.

• Expanded disease applications: While VIROMME focuses on antivirals, Model Medicines plans to launch additional AI-driven therapeutic programs, including oncology​

“The VIROMME program allows us to take the vast chemical space GALILEO™ generates and apply it to rapidly develop new antiviral solutions with precision,” said Dr. Haders. “This approach mirrors the success of industry leaders who have used hub-and-spoke models to efficiently build and scale biotech innovation.”

VIROMME’s first priority is the clinical advancement of MDL-001 and its next-generation AI-optimized antiviral library, demonstrating Model Medicines’ commitment to translating AI-driven discoveries into real-world therapeutics.

GEN: One of the “Ten Companies to Watch in AI Drug Discovery”

Model Medicines was also featured in GEN’s prestigious list of “Ten Companies to Watch in AI Drug Discovery,” placing it among industry leaders such as Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Schrödinger, and Insilico Medicine. 

This recognition highlights Model Medicines’ end-to-end AI drug discovery capabilities, which integrate:

• AI-driven target identification (discovery of the Thumb-1 allosteric site in RdRp)​

• Generative chemistry (exploration of a 50-trillion-compound solution space to optimize MDL-001 and its derivatives)​

• Rapid preclinical validation (100% hit rate in experimental validation for next-generation antivirals)​

The GEN article emphasized that Model Medicines is at the forefront of AI-driven molecular discovery, reducing drug development timelines from years to months.

Industry Implications: AI-Powered Drug Discovery is Here

Recognition from both Fierce Biotech and GEN reinforces Model Medicines’ role as a trailblazer in AI-driven drug development, particularly in antiviral therapeutics. The company’s technology stack—GALILEO™ and ChemPrint™—is setting new standards for AI-powered target identification and drug optimization, positioning Model Medicines as:

• A leader in next-generation antiviral development (MDL-001 and its AI-designed successors).

• A partner of choice for pharmaceutical companies looking to integrate AI into their drug discovery pipelines.

• A critical player in pandemic preparedness, with AI-powered tools capable of rapidly identifying new therapeutics for emerging viral threats.

With MDL-001 approaching IND-enabling studies and an expanding AI-driven antiviral pipeline, Model Medicines is poised to deliver transformative therapies that could redefine the future of infectious disease treatment.