Darwin Molecular

Darwin Molecular was a pioneering biotechnology company founded in 1992 and based in Bothell, Washington. The firm specialized in the integration of genomics and combinatorial chemistry to identify novel drug targets and develop small molecule therapeutics. It was notable for its high-profile founders, including Amgen's George Rathmann and Cetus's Ronald Cape, as well as early investment from Bill Gates. The company's research efforts were primarily directed toward Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and inflammatory conditions like psoriasis. In 1996, Darwin Molecular was acquired by the UK-based Chiroscience Group for approximately $120 million, eventually becoming part of UCB through subsequent mergers.