Automating chemical synthesis through 'block chemistry' is essential to democratize molecule creation and accelerate drug discovery from months to weeks.
It is now possible to build foundational AI models for predicting molecular properties by leveraging active learning with carbon-carbon bond-based synthesis.
Many diseases caused by missing proteins can be treated with 'molecular prosthetics'—small molecules designed to restore lost biological function.
Re-examining and correcting long-held scientific mechanisms, such as how amphotericin functions, can unlock pathways to safer and more effective medicines.
Using common chemical blocks from previously successful drugs provides a significant head start in creating new potential medicines, a strategy described as 'drug repurposing at the block level'.
Early Career
Burke's first academic proposal involved re-engineering the molecule amphotericin to act as a 'molecular prosthetic' for treating cystic fibrosis, setting the stage for two major themes in his career.
2007
Burke's lab publishes its first paper on iterative carbon-carbon bond formation, establishing the scientific foundation for his 'block chemistry' synthesis method.
2015
A paper from Burke's lab demonstrates the automation of the block chemistry process, a critical step toward creating a user-friendly, robotic platform for molecule synthesis.
Post-2015
The block chemistry platform is licensed, leading to the launch of Revolution Medicines. However, the company later terminates its antifungal program, returning the IP to the University of Illinois.
Recent
The deprioritized antifungal program is spun out into Funga Therapeutics (now Elyon), which successfully advances a next-generation compound into Phase 2 clinical trials.
Present
Burke co-founds Excelsior Sciences, raising $95 million to build an automated platform that combines block chemistry with AI to accelerate drug discovery, reducing iteration cycles to one to two weeks.
▶Democratizing Chemical SynthesisMay 2026
Burke's work centers on simplifying and automating the complex process of creating small molecules. His 'block chemistry' method and associated robotic platforms are designed to make synthesis faster and more accessible to non-experts, drastically reducing iteration times in drug discovery.
This platform approach could de-risk early-stage drug discovery by lowering the technical barriers and costs associated with synthesizing novel compounds, potentially attracting investment into a wider range of therapeutic targets.
▶Challenging Scientific DogmaMay 2026
Burke's research fundamentally challenged and overturned the textbook understanding of how the antifungal drug amphotericin works. He demonstrated it kills cells by binding to sterols, not by forming ion channels, which enabled the rational design of less toxic alternatives.
This highlights the value of re-examining foundational scientific assumptions, as correcting them can unlock new therapeutic avenues and create significant intellectual property, as seen with the spinout Funga Therapeutics/Elyon.
▶Academia-to-Industry Translation
Burke has a consistent track record of translating his academic discoveries into commercial ventures. He has co-founded multiple companies to advance his platforms and therapeutic programs, navigating venture capital funding, intellectual property licensing, and strategic pivots.
Burke's career demonstrates a successful model for academic entrepreneurship, where foundational science is strategically spun out into venture-backed companies, though not without challenges like program deprioritization and startup failure.
▶The 'Molecular Prosthetics' ConceptMay 2026
A core concept in Burke's research is the idea of 'molecular prosthetics,' where small molecules are designed to replace the function of missing or defective proteins. This was initially inspired by cystic fibrosis and has been applied to developing molecules that restore iron transport.
This conceptual framework shifts drug discovery from traditional inhibition or activation towards functional replacement, opening up a new class of therapeutic strategies for diseases caused by protein loss-of-function.