George Church quits Radical Numerics over uncredited partner in AI-designed phage therapy
Radical Numerics now says Tabula Bioscience ran the lab work behind its Oct. 20 announcement; the CEO cites confidentiality, and Church calls the conduct 'sleazy'.
Why it matters
On Oct. 20 Radical Numerics announced AI-designed phages tailored to a patient with an antibiotic-resistant infection, without naming a partner. It now acknowledges that Tabula Bioscience performed much of the research, including making the phage cocktail; both firms agree Radical designed some of the phages. Harvard geneticist George Church, also a Tabula adviser, resigned on Thursday. CEO Eric Nguyen says the contract required confidentiality; Church called that 'very weak on common sense and common ethics.' Tabula says it 'led the phage therapy.'
Key facts
- Radical Numerics announced AI-designed phage treatment on Oct. 20
- Tabula Bioscience did much of the research, including the phage cocktail
- Both firms agree Radical designed some of the phages
- George Church resigned on Thursday; he also advises Tabula
- CEO Eric Nguyen: contract required confidentiality
- Tabula says it 'led the phage therapy'