DiaGen AI teams with Hadassah and Ariel University on cancer peptide program

DiaGen AI has signed a collaboration and revenue share agreement with Hadassit Medical Ltd. and Ariel Scientific Innovations to use its AI platform for designing peptide analogs with potential oncology imaging and targeted therapy uses. The one-year program combines computational design with Israeli lab work and could open commercialization paths if the candidates perform well. Why it matters: - DiaGen AI is trying to turn AI-designed peptides into commercial assets in oncology. - The agreement pairs AI drug design with preclinical work at two Israeli research organizations. - The program is structured to create revenue opportunities if the peptide candidates advance. What happened: - DiaGen AI Inc. entered a Collaboration and Revenue Share Agreement with Hadasit Medical Ltd., the innovation and entrepreneurship company of Hadassah Medical Organization, and Ariel Scientific Innovations Ltd., a subsidiary of Ariel University. - The collaboration applies DiaGen AI’s proprietary platform to design and optimize analogs of P6-DOTA. - P6-DOTA is a class of radiolabeled peptides with potential use in oncology imaging and targeted therapy. - The work builds on preclinical research in nuclear medicine and targeted radionuclide therapy led by Prof. Eyal Mishani at Hadassah Research and Prof. Gary Gellerman at Ariel University. The details: - DiaGen AI will handle problem-specific AI architecture development, model training, in silico validation using molecular dynamics and DFT methods, and high-throughput computational screening. - Hadasit will conduct radiolabeling, quality control, and in vivo PET/MR imaging studies. - Ariel Scientific Innovations will perform peptide synthesis and in vitro evaluation in EGFR-expressing cell models. - The full research program is expected to last about one year. - DiaGen AI is based in Vancouver, Canada. - The company’s stated focus includes small molecule and peptide discovery, diagnostics, and delivery. - DiaGen AI uses its generative AI Blackcomb and Cypress Protocols. - DiaGen AI says its research has been accepted at NeurIPS and that the company is a graduate of the Creative Destruction Lab at the University of Washington. - More information is available here . Between the lines: - The agreement links academic validation, laboratory synthesis, and computational design in a single development path. - The revenue-share structure suggests DiaGen AI is aiming for downstream commercialization rather than only research collaboration. - The project sits in a broader race to use AI to shorten discovery timelines and identify drug candidates with better binding and stability. - Brian Keane, DiaGen AI’s chairman and CEO, said the deal is a milestone for the company’s scaling effort and shareholder value creation. - Prof. Eyal Mishani said the collaboration creates a framework for therapeutics development, strategic partnerships, and global commercialization. What’s next: - The partners will move through peptide design, synthesis, radiolabeling, imaging, and cell-model testing over the next year. - The main near-term question is whether the AI-generated candidates show improved binding affinity and stability. - Any commercial upside will depend on the program’s preclinical results and follow-on partnerships or licensing. - DiaGen AI lists IR@diagen.ai and Brian@diagen.ai as contact points for inquiries. The bottom line: - DiaGen AI is betting that an AI-plus-academic model can produce better cancer-targeting peptides and turn research results into revenue.