GT Capital Launches AI-Powered Biotech Firm Apeiron Bio in Shanghai with $27M Funding

Investment Circle (WeChat ID: pedaily2012) reported on June 1 that GT Ventures established an AI-enabled biotechnology company, Apeiron Therapeutics, today.

It is reported that GT Ventures and related investors have announced the raising of $27 million to establish Shanghai Apeiron Therapeutics Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Apeiron”), which is primarily dedicated to the development of innovative drugs driven by artificial intelligence and novel biotechnologies. Apeiron will prioritize oncology as its initial therapeutic focus, collaborating with global partners to address life-threatening, unresolved medical challenges that severely compromise patients’ quality of life.

Apeiron Therapeutics’ long-term goal is to develop a series of new molecular entity drugs with breakthrough therapeutic efficacy by combining in-house development with the introduction of advanced global technologies. By leveraging a deep understanding of novel therapeutic mechanisms and the structural biology of “undruggable” target proteins, and by integrating multiple synergistic technologies, Apeiron strives to identify ideal compound molecules. The company aims to provide effective, safe, and clinically viable treatments for refractory diseases at their root cause. Leveraging its integrated drug R&D platform, Apeiron plans to establish a robust pipeline of innovative, AI-enabled drug candidates within the next three years.

“Although the persistently high failure rate in drug development remains the pharmaceutical industry’s primary challenge, we have nonetheless witnessed favorable trends in recent years, including breakthroughs in biology, the emergence of novel therapeutic concepts, and the advancement of related new technologies. Apeiron will continue to strive to apply these new technologies to drug development to enhance R&D efficiency,” stated Dr. Li Mingxi, Partner at GT Ventures and Director of Apeiron Therapeutics.

Leveraging the team’s extensive industry experience, Apeiron Therapeutics will identify the most suitable applications for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence across the entire new drug development process—from target selection, hit identification, and lead optimization to preclinical development and clinical trials. By maximizing the value of AI at each of these stages, Apeiron aims to deliver promising therapeutic solutions for clinical use.

“At a time when artificial intelligence is profoundly reshaping the landscape of drug development, the establishment of Apeiron Therapeutics is timely,” said David Norwood, Chairman of the Advisory Board at Apeiron Therapeutics. “I am delighted to see a passionate team leveraging the latest global technologies to create innovative solutions that address substantial clinical needs worldwide.”