Lila Bio secures $3.65M federal grant to build AI-designed proteins
The NIH grant delivers non-dilutive capital to advance computational treatments for pulmonary hypertension.
Seattle-based biotechnology startup Lila Bio has secured a $3.65 million Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Institutes of Health [1].
The award, granted by the NIH's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, will finance the creation of therapeutic proteins targeting pulmonary hypertension [1]. Under the fast-track program structure, Lila Bio will draw an initial $605,981 to support preliminary testing before unlocking a subsequent phase worth $3,049,462 [1].
Founded in 2023 by Jake Kraft, CEO, and Anindya Roy, chief scientist, the startup applies machine learning and artificial intelligence models to engineer targeted therapeutic proteins [1]. The non-dilutive federal capital supplements an initial $10 million seed round secured by the company during its founding year [1].
According to Kraft, the team focuses on "disease-modifying mechanisms that treat the underlying disease" rather than managing downstream symptoms [1]. The new resources allow the company to advance candidate proteins toward clinical utility without requiring additional equity dilution.
Questions and answers
What is Lila Bio developing with the grant?
The startup is using the capital to design therapeutic proteins intended to treat pulmonary hypertension.
How is the NIH funding disbursed?
The fast-track grant distributes $605,981 for an initial testing phase and provides $3,049,462 for the second phase.
Companies & investors in this story
Sources
- 1.Lila Bio lands $3.65M grant to fight pulmonary hypertension with AI-designed proteins — GeekWire, Nov 11, 2026
