AI Accelerates Biopharmaceutical Development in Russia
Russian scientists have launched an AI-driven molecular design service that reduces the path from concept to a working molecule to just 100 days, accelerating breakthroughs in drug discovery and biotechnology.
From Concept to Molecule in 100 Days
At D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, researchers have unveiled a new AI-powered service for targeted molecular design. Using deep learning algorithms, the platform generates pools of patentable and physiologically active compounds — from peptides to small molecules and natural composites. The technology dramatically reduces the cost and duration of early-stage research, helping scientists move faster toward laboratory testing.
Collaboration Between Science and Startups
The initiative is led by the startup Albogen in collaboration with the university. At its core lies the PeptiGen platform — an advanced AI system that generates molecular structures with specified properties, such as antimicrobial activity or structural stability, and ranks them by synthesis potential. This fusion of data, AI modeling, and chemical-biological expertise is helping identify solutions for pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental science.
Results Are Already Here
The first tangible results are already in. The research team has expanded its line of peptide molecules, now holding over two dozen promising candidates. A new grant will support scaling the molecule library and advancing compounds to applied testing. For students and young researchers, the project has also become a practical training ground in the use of AI for biotechnology — from hypothesis formation to experimental verification.
