South Korean AI protein‑design biotech Galux signed a research agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim to validate AI‑driven design of purpose‑specific protein molecules for therapeutic discovery. The collaboration will test whether de novo AI design can move beyond prediction to create proteins with defined translational properties. Galux recently reported de novo antibody discoveries with high affinity and stability; the initial phase focuses on feasibility cases to inform broader joint initiatives. Boehringer brings translational biology and development experience to evaluate designed molecules. The deal signals growing industry appetite to operationalize AI beyond hit generation into rational design workflows that meet manufacturability and safety constraints required for drug development.