Fighting disease with suprabodies – The Hindu

What do you do?

I am the Founder and CEO of Inger Therapeutics. We have developed a screening methodology to discover novel peptide-based molecules called Suprabodies. These are a new class of synthetic antibody-like molecules designed to bind to specific targets similar to natural antibodies. Our focus is to use them as targeted delivery vehicles, particularly for cancer therapies, to help direct drugs to diseased cells while minimising effects on healthy tissue. We also offer our Suprabodies election platform to pharma and biotech partners to identify new binding molecules against disease-driving biomarkers.

Why is your work important globally?

The cost of discovering and developing new molecules to treat diseases in the pharmaceutical industry is increasing and is estimated to be $2 billion per new molecule. Hence, we need less expensive and more effective ways of design and development. For drug molecules to reach the diseased site without side effects is a major challenge for any disease, irrespective of geography. Suprabodies – with their smaller size, higher stability and customisable properties – have the potential to address this gap across multiple disease areas. By enabling precise delivery to diseased sites, this platform could contribute to faster therapeutic development worldwide.

What is exciting about your work?

What excites me most is that we are addressing one of humanity’s most fundamental challenges: disease. The problems are complex but even the possibility of contributing a small piece to that puzzle is deeply motivating. We work with libraries of millions of molecules to identify a few meaningful hits against disease-relevant biomarkers. The uncertainty and potential impact of the platform keep us constantly engaged and highly motivated. Globally, suprabody-based drug discovery is a relatively new approach and to be able pursue this new technology and advancing it adds to the excitement.

Any experiences in college that led you to become an entrepreneur?

College gave me many opportunities to organise initiatives and take on leadership roles. At the same time, my academic training built a foundation in scientific fundamentals. That combination of leadership experience and technical depth gave me the confidence to become an entrepreneur.

What should students specifically know about your field?

My interests lie at the interface of chemistry and biology. Today, meaningful innovation often happens at the boundaries between disciplines rather than within a single field. Students should be open to learning across domains and become comfortable working in interdisciplinary environments, as this adaptability will be key to success.

The writer is an avid follower of emerging technologies and their applications.