The Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has signed an agreement with Peptris Technologies, Bengaluru, Karnataka, for financial support of ₹86 crore under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
The project, titled VIGOR: Advancing AI-Discovered Molecules from Bench to Clinic, has a total project cost of ₹172 crore. It aims to advance four 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).
Artificial intelligence is being used in drug discovery to identify molecules, investigate disease mechanisms and support the search for potential therapies. Translating computational discoveries into drug candidates requires experimental validation, preclinical studies and clinical development.
Peptris’ VIGOR programme aims to advance a portfolio of molecules towards clinical development using its proprietary AI-driven drug discovery platform. The programme focuses on therapeutic areas with unmet medical needs and combines computational capabilities, scientific validation and drug-development processes to identify and develop therapies.
The programme covers four drug candidates: PEPR111, targeting neuromuscular disorders and oncology; PEPRX101, focused on alopecia; PEPR202, targeting neuropathy; and PEPR112, focused on DMD. Each candidate is currently at TRL-4, with the project targeting advancement to TRL-6.
The development programme envisages a three-year progression covering 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 programme will build on Peptris’ AI-based drug discovery capabilities and existing platform experience to advance drug candidates. The approach combines AI-enabled discovery with 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 programme, the project aims 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 towards conditions where 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 programmes to help bridge the gap between innovation and clinical development, while strengthening India’s capabilities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and AI-led healthcare innovation.”
A representative of Peptris Technologies said, “The support from TDB under the RDI Fund will help us advance our VIGOR programme and progress our AI-discovered molecules through critical preclinical development milestones. Our approach combines AI-driven discovery with experimental validation and established drug-development processes to address unmet medical needs. This partnership will support our efforts to translate promising computational discoveries into therapeutic candidates with the potential to progress towards clinical development.”