Key points from article :
Terray Therapeutics, an AI-driven drug discovery startup, has emerged from three years in stealth mode with $60 million in funding and a groundbreaking approach to tackling what it identifies as the core issue in drug development: a "data problem." Unlike many in the field who focus solely on advancing algorithms, Terray integrates proprietary hardware with software to generate the high-quality, large-scale data essential for effective machine learning.
At the heart of Terray's platform is a unique chemistry engine featuring nickel-sized chips. These chips can hold up to 32 million molecules on nanoparticle beads, enabling massive high-throughput screening against biological targets. The data generated from these experiments fuel iterative cycles of machine learning, refining the potency and selectivity of potential drug candidates. This method ensures a highly informed starting point for drug discovery, one unmatched by existing processes.
Co-founder and CEO Jacob Berlin, leveraging his expertise in nanomaterials and synthetic chemistry, emphasizes that their system provides access to unprecedented chemical diversity and insights. The company aims to collaborate with pharmaceutical and mid-tier biotech firms, focusing on partnerships that include upfront payments and milestones, rather than offering its platform as a standalone service.
Terray's approach represents a significant shift in drug discovery, addressing a critical bottleneck by combining large-scale experimental data generation with advanced computational analysis to unlock previously "undruggable" targets.
