Anthropic unveils science-only 'Claude Science' model, targets biotech

[Financial News]  

The AI startup Anthropic released its AI model 'Claude Science' on June 30 local time. It is designed for scientists and the pharmaceutical industry.
Ahead of its initial public offering, the company has been seeking new revenue sources to push up its valuation, now estimated at $900 billion, or at least keep it from falling.
According to the Financial Times, Claude Science is Anthropic's first AI model dedicated to scientists. It can be used for 3D protein structure modeling and drug development.
Eric Kauderer-Abrams, head of Anthropic's life sciences division, said, "I believe AI models in science, especially in the life sciences and health sectors, will have a large positive impact on humanity."
As Anthropic's cutting-edge AI models face pressure over their potential impact on the economy and digital infrastructure, as well as concerns about cybersecurity and national security, the company has introduced a science-focused model that aims to avoid those worries.
'Claude Mythos' was banned for foreign users by the Donald Trump administration over cybersecurity concerns. The AI agents 'Claude Code' and 'Cowork' also raised fears that widespread use could hurt jobs in software engineering, consulting, and legal services.
Anthropic plans to restrict access to Claude Science. The company said malicious actors could use it to create new diseases or biological weapons.
Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, said on the 30th that only certain individuals and companies will be allowed to use the powerful biological AI model.
Amodei explained, "In the pharmaceutical industry, people are always handling dangerous biological materials, and there are rules in place to manage them properly. We cannot allow anyone to use this AI model without verification."
Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical industry is already using AI in drug development.
Major GLP-1 obesity drug makers, including Eli Lilly and Company in the U.S. and Denmark's Novo Nordisk, are already using AI as well.
Anthropic's Claude Science appears to be a stepping stone toward the company's expected IPO later this year. Anthropic's valuation is projected to exceed $1 trillion.

dympna@fnnews.com Song Kyung-jae Reporter