Oil prices rebound sharply on smaller-than-feared OPEC+ output hike
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO - A study published in Science reveals that AI-designed protein variants could potentially bypass standard biosecurity screening software, according to research led by Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and co-authored with industry experts including Twist Bioscience (NASDAQ:TWST), a $1.8 billion market cap biotechnology company that has demonstrated strong revenue growth of 23% over the last twelve months. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a robust financial position with a current ratio of 3.9x, indicating strong operational flexibility.
The peer-reviewed paper, "Strengthening nucleic acid biosecurity screening against generative protein design tools," highlights the need for evolving biosecurity measures as artificial intelligence advances in biological applications. The research consortium conducted a red-teaming exercise to test current screening protocols against AI-generated sequences. Twist Bioscience’s stock has shown recent momentum with a 9.4% gain over the past week, reflecting investor interest in the company’s technological capabilities. For deeper insights into TWST’s valuation and growth prospects, InvestingPro subscribers can access comprehensive research reports and financial analysis tools.
While current biosecurity screening practices effectively detect known harmful proteins and sequences, the study found that AI tools could potentially create variants of toxins and viral proteins that escape detection. The researchers emphasized that these were digital sequences only, with unknown pathogenicity if manufactured. Twist Bioscience maintains a "GOOD" Financial Health score according to InvestingPro analysis, with particularly strong metrics in its balance sheet structure, holding more cash than debt.
"As AI capabilities evolve, screening practices must evolve just as quickly," said Emily M. Leproust, CEO and co-founder of Twist Bioscience, in a press release statement.
Dr. Eric Horvitz, Chief Scientific Officer of Microsoft, noted, "This research highlights the importance of foresight, collaboration, and responsible innovation."
Following the findings, Twist Bioscience and partners developed improved detection protocols and novel strategies to enhance screening accuracy for engineered protein sequences. The study recommends iterative development of protocols through collaboration between industry, government entities, and technology companies.
The research represents a proactive approach to anticipating biosecurity challenges as AI continues to advance in sequence and protein design capabilities, based on the company’s announcement.
In other recent news, Twist Bioscience Corporation reported a notable 18% year-over-year increase in revenue for Q3 2025, reaching $96.1 million. Despite this growth, the company faced an adjusted EBITDA loss of $8 million, which marks an improvement compared to the previous fiscal year. On the analyst front, JPMorgan lowered its price target for Twist Bioscience to $25, maintaining an Underweight rating. TD Cowen also reduced its price target to $36, while keeping a Buy rating, citing adjustments in fiscal year 2025 guidance due to changes in Next-Generation Sequencing revenue. Evercore ISI adjusted its price target down to $46, maintaining an Outperform rating, following what it described as strong performance in the next-generation sequencing segment. In corporate governance, Twist Bioscience appointed Trynka Shineman Blake to its board of directors, where she will also serve on the audit committee. These developments highlight the ongoing changes and challenges within Twist Bioscience as it navigates the synthetic biology market.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.