Single-cell analysis, next-generation sequencing, and synthetic DNA have all been crucial to efforts to find antibodies that could neutralize SARS-CoV-2.
Silicon Valley venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz led the round, joined by 8VC, SV Angel, Allen & Co, and several other undisclosed private investors.
The synthetic biology firm had total revenues of $19.3 million and withdrew its financial guidance for fiscal year 2020 citing uncertainty caused by COVID-19.
The researchers used a yeast-based synthetic genomics platform to engineer and resurrect chemically synthesized clones of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in only a week.
The firm said it plans to sign between five and 10 additional biopharma collaborations in fiscal year 2020, some with milestone and royalty payment structures.
