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AI Drug Discovery Gets Rs 86 Crore Boost
12 Oct
Summary
- TDB commits Rs 86 crore to Peptris Technologies for AI drug development.
- Project 'VIGOR' aims to advance four experimental drugs to preclinical stages.
- Four drugs target neuromuscular disorders, cancer, hair loss, neuropathy, and diabetes.
The Technology Development Board (TDB) has provided financial support of Rs 86 crore to Peptris Technologies Pvt Ltd, a Bengaluru-based firm. This funding is designated to accelerate the development of next-generation therapies by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI). The initiative, named 'VIGOR--Moving AI-Discovered Molecules from the Lab to the Clinic', has a total project cost of Rs 172 crore.
The 'VIGOR' program intends to advance four experimental drugs—PEPR111, PEPRX101, PEPR202, and PEPR112—from Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 4 to 6. These TRL advancements involve crucial preclinical development and validation, preparing the drugs for clinical trials. The experimental drugs target significant unmet medical needs, including neuromuscular disorders, cancer, hair loss, neuropathy, and diabetes mellitus.
Rajesh Kumar Pathak, TDB Secretary, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in pharmaceutical research. He emphasized that translating AI-discovered molecules into viable therapeutics requires substantial investment and rigorous scientific evaluation. The TDB's support through the RDI Fund aims to bridge the gap between innovation and clinical development, thereby strengthening India's capabilities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and AI-based healthcare.
