Anthropic Launches Biology Lab with Claude for AI-Driven Drug Development

Anthropic has launched a biology lab where its AI model Claude guides robots through drug experiments, marking a significant step in AI-driven drug development. The lab utilizes the Model Hardware Standard to control lab equipment with minimal human involvement, as stated by Anthropic. This initiative follows the April 2026 acquisition of Coefficient Bio for $400 million, which enhances Anthropic's capabilities in life sciences. Eric Kauderer-Abrams, head of Anthropic's life sciences division, noted that AI could expedite the design of complex antibodies targeting multiple sites simultaneously. However, he emphasized that human oversight remains necessary for safety. Additionally, Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan has joined Anthropic's board, potentially influencing future collaborations in pharmaceutical research.