TDB-DST Signs ₹86 Crore Agreement With Peptris to Accelerate AI-Driven Drug Discovery

The Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), has signed an agreement with Peptris Technologies Private Limited, Bengaluru. Under it, TDB will give ₹86 crore of financial support from the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to speed up AI-led drug development.

Key Points of TDB-DST and Peptris Agreement

1. Support amount: ₹86 crore from the RDI Fund
2. Total project cost: ₹172 crore
3. Form of support: Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD)
4. Project name: VIGOR
5. Goal: Move four drug candidates from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to TRL 6
6. Timeline: Three years

What is Project VIGOR? 

AI helps researchers find promising molecules and understand how diseases work. But a computer-based discovery must still go through lab testing, preclinical studies, and clinical development before it becomes a medicine. VIGOR is meant to bridge this gap.

Peptris will use its own AI-driven drug discovery platform, along with established drug-development methods and global contract research organisation (CRO) networks, to test and validate its molecules. The work will focus on diseases where good treatment options are still limited.

Over three years, the program will cover advanced preclinical studies, investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies, formulation development and preparation for clinical trials. All of this is subject to scientific and regulatory requirements.

Peptris’ VIGOR Program Covers Four Drug Candidates

All four candidates are currently at TRL-4, and the project aims to take them to TRL-6.

1. PEPR111 - Neuromuscular disorders and oncology
2. PEPRX101 - Alopecia
3. PEPR202 - Neuropathy
4. PEPR112 - DMD

How the VIGOR Program Will Strengthen India’s Pharmaceutical Innovation Ecosystem?

TDB said AI can change how new drugs are found, but turning discoveries into proven candidates needs steady funding, strict scientific checks and a clear development path. Through the RDI Fund, it backs such technology-heavy projects to bridge the gap between innovation and clinical development.

By advancing several candidates under one programme, VIGOR will help turn AI-led research into possible therapies. It will also strengthen India’s capabilities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and AI-led healthcare.