The Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science and Technology (DST) has signed an agreement with Peptris Technologies for financial support of INR 86 crore under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.

The project titled VIGOR: Advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Discovered Molecules from Bench to Clinic, has a total project cost of INR 172 crore. It aims to advance 4 drug candidates from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-6 through preclinical development, validation and preparation for clinical trials. The financial support will be provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD).

AI is opening new possibilities in drug discovery by enabling researchers to identify promising molecules, investigate disease mechanisms and accelerate the search for potential therapies. However, translating computational discoveries into viable drug candidates requires extensive experimental validation, preclinical studies and clinical development.

Peptris’ VIGOR program seeks to address this critical transition by leveraging its proprietary AI-driven drug discovery platform to advance a portfolio of molecules toward clinical development. The program focuses on therapeutic areas with significant unmet medical needs, with an emphasis on identifying and developing novel therapies through a combination of computational capabilities, scientific validation and established drug-development processes.

The program covers 4 drug candidates: PEPR111, targeting neuromuscular disorders and oncology; PEPRX101, focused on alopecia; PEPR202, targeting neuropathy; and PEPR112, focused on DMD. Each candidate is currently positioned at TRL-4, with the project targeting advancement to TRL-6. The development program envisages a structured progression over 3 years, encompassing advanced preclinical and Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies, formulation development, clinical trial preparation and initiation activities, subject to the relevant scientific and regulatory requirements.

The VIGOR program is designed to build on Peptris’ AI-based drug discovery capabilities and its existing platform experience to accelerate the development of novel therapeutic candidates. The approach combines AI-enabled discovery with established drug-development expertise, including the use of global Contract Research Organisation (CRO) networks to support development and validation.

By supporting the advancement of multiple candidates within a coordinated program, the project seeks to strengthen the translation of AI-led research into potential therapeutic products. Its focus on selected disease areas also reflects the opportunity to direct innovation toward conditions where effective treatment options remain limited.

Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, said, “The application of Artificial Intelligence in pharmaceutical research has the potential to transform how new drug candidates are identified and developed. However, translating promising discoveries into validated therapeutic candidates requires sustained investment, rigorous scientific evaluation and a structured development pathway. Through the RDI Fund, TDB is supporting such technology-intensive programs to help bridge the gap between innovation and clinical development, while strengthening India’s capabilities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and AI-led health care innovation.”

According to Peptris Technologies, the support from TDB under the RDI Fund will help it advance its VIGOR program and progress its AI-discovered molecules through critical preclinical development milestones. Its approach combines AI-driven discovery with experimental validation and established drug-development processes to address unmet medical needs. This partnership will support the company’s efforts to translate promising computational discoveries into therapeutic candidates with the potential to progress toward clinical development.