Cambridge-based biotech startup Parallel Bio announced it has closed a $21 million Series A funding round led by AIX Ventures, with participation from Amplo and others. The company is developing a human organoid–based drug testing platform designed to replace animal testing, aligning with FDA efforts to support more human-relevant preclinical models.

Parallel Bio will focus on advancing the platform alongside partner Centivax, with recent completion of a first preclinical trial combining immune organoids and AI. The new funding will support further development toward reducing both the cost and time of drug discovery by leveraging human-first testing methods.