Proxima vs Duckie

About

Proxima is an AI-driven drug discovery company focused on proteins that control critical biological interactions — specifically targeting protein-protein interactions (PPIs) that have historically been considered undruggable. Founded by researchers with backgrounds in structural biology, machine learning, and medicinal chemistry, Proxima uses AI to design novel therapeutics that can modulate these complex binding interfaces, opening up a vast new class of drug targets for conditions ranging from cancer to neurodegeneration.\n\nThe company's platform integrates protein structure prediction, generative molecular design, and experimental validation in a tightly coupled loop. By leveraging AI models trained on structural and interaction data, Proxima can propose drug candidates targeting previously inaccessible sites on proteins. This approach is particularly relevant for oncology and immunology, where many of the most important biological pathways are mediated by protein complexes that small molecules have struggled to disrupt.\n\nProxima raised an $80M seed round backed by DCVC and NVIDIA in January 2026, one of the largest seed rounds in biotech history. NVIDIA's involvement underscores the computational intensity of the platform and the strategic value of GPU infrastructure partnerships in AI drug discovery. The company is pre-clinical but is building a pipeline of candidates targeting high-value undruggable proteins, with the $80M runway intended to advance multiple programs toward IND filings.