Deargen

South Korea-based Deargen develops novel therapeutics for a range of disease areas including oncology, immunology, neurology as well as cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism (CVRM). It does this by leveraging its AI and deep learning-powered platform “Dr.UG” to enable pharma and biotech companies to expedite their drug development processes. 

Deargen’s AI offerings include four distinct technologies: DearTRANS for genome data analysis, WX for biomarker development, DearDTI for molecule screening, and MolEQ for lead optimization. The company also leverages its 4D (Deargen-Driven Drug Development) program, which is a novel approach to drug development using AI that goes through a cycle of prediction, synthesis, validation, and continuous learning to create the best possible drug candidates. This consists of its in-house drug pipeline with seven candidates, as well as a collaborative pipeline of around 18 candidates.

Key customers and partnerships

Deargen has secured various research and development partnerships with various biotech and pharma companies, including: 

- Uppthera (2019), to develop a proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC)

- SK Chemicals (2020), to design new drugs and research on drug repositioning 

- IN Therapeutics (2020), to develop a treatment for hearing loss 

- JW Pharmaceuticals (2022), to develop drugs for various indications

- Serengen (August 2023), to combine DearDTI with Serengen's novel DNA encoded library (DEL) technology to accelerate the discovery of novel drugs

Deargen’s partner network also includes Big Tech companies such as Microsoft, Intel, NVIDIA, Samsung, and LG H&H. 

Funding and financials

In February 2022, Deargen raised USD 17 million in a Series B funding round, which saw participation from Hana Ventures, TS Investment, NVESTOR, and The Wells Institute. The proceeds were earmarked to build a 2,600-square-meter AI-powered drug development center and further develop its drug discovery platform.