Peptris Technologies, Bengaluru-based AI drug discovery startup, accelerates novel therapies with generative AI, CRO partnerships, and RDI support.
India has taken a decisive step toward transforming its pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem. The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST) has signed an agreement with Peptris Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, to provide ₹86 crore in financial support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. This investment will accelerate the VIGOR programme, which aims to advance four AI-discovered drug candidates from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-6, moving them closer to clinical development.
Peptris Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is a Bengaluru-based health-tech startup founded in 2019 that specializes in AI-powered drug discovery. It leverages proprietary generative AI and unsupervised learning to design optimized molecules, reduce wet lab dependency, and accelerate preclinical development.
In February this year, Peptris raises ₹70 crore Series A funding round led by IAN Alpha Fund, the 2nd in the series of IAN Group’s VC funds.
The VIGOR Programme: Bench to Clinic
Peptris’ flagship initiative, VIGOR (Advancing AI-Discovered Molecules from Bench to Clinic), represents a structured three-year roadmap to bridge the gap between computational drug discovery and clinical readiness. With a total project cost of ₹172 crore, the programme will focus on:
- PEPR111: Targeting neuromuscular disorders and oncology.
- PEPRX101: Focused on alopecia.
- PEPR202: Addressing neuropathy.
- PEPR112: Designed for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
Each candidate will undergo advanced preclinical studies, IND-enabling validation, formulation development, and trial preparation. The financial support will be provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD), ensuring flexibility in funding.
Why AI Matters in Drug Discovery
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing pharmaceutical research by enabling scientists to:
- Identify molecules with therapeutic potential.
- Investigate disease mechanisms more efficiently.
- Accelerate therapy development through predictive modeling.
However, computational discoveries alone are insufficient. They require rigorous experimental validation, preclinical studies, and structured clinical pathways to become viable therapies. Peptris’ approach combines AI-driven discovery with global CRO networks and established drug-development expertise, ensuring a robust transition from lab to clinic.
Voices from the Partnership
Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB:
“The application of artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical research has the potential to transform how new drug candidates are identified and developed. Through the RDI Fund, TDB is supporting technology-intensive programmes to bridge the gap between innovation and clinical development.”
Peptris Technologies Representative: “The support from TDB under the RDI Fund will help us progress our AI-discovered molecules through critical preclinical milestones. Our approach combines AI-driven discovery with experimental validation to address unmet medical needs.”
Strategic Impact
This collaboration is more than a funding initiative—it is a strategic investment in India’s biotech future. By focusing on neuromuscular disorders, oncology, alopecia, neuropathy, and DMD, the programme targets areas with limited treatment options, ensuring innovation is directed where it is most needed.
The VIGOR programme exemplifies how India is positioning itself as a global hub for AI-led healthcare innovation, strengthening its pharmaceutical R&D capabilities and paving the way for next-generation therapeutics.