TDB gives ₹86 crore to Peptris for AI drug discovery project VIGOR
Why in the news
On 12 October 2026, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology announced ₹86 crore of support for Peptris Technologies, Bengaluru, to advance AI-discovered drug molecules.
Key facts
- Fund: Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
- Instrument: optionally convertible debentures (OCD).
- Project VIGOR: total cost ₹172 crore; timeline of three years with phased milestones.
- Goal: move four drug candidates from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to TRL 6.
- Work covers advanced preclinical studies, studies for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application, manufacturing, formulation and preparing clinical trials, with help from global contract research organisations.
Drug candidates
| Candidate | Target |
|---|---|
| PEPR111 | Neurological and muscular disorders, cancer |
| PEPRX101 | Hair loss |
| PEPR202 | Diseases caused by nerve damage |
| PEPR112 | Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) |
About TDB and the RDI Fund
TDB works under the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology. It supports technology-based programmes through the RDI Fund, which here aims to bridge the gap between innovation and clinical development and build Indian strength in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and AI-driven health. TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak said promising AI discoveries need sustained investment and rigorous testing.
Exam angle
- TDB is under DST; funding came via the RDI Fund.
- ₹86 crore support for a ₹172 crore project named VIGOR.
- TRL scale measures technology maturity; target is TRL 4 to TRL 6.