$1M funding for AI drug discovery for rare diseases and more digital health fundings

Bangalore-based AI drug discovery firm Peptris Technologies has secured $1 million in pre-seed funding led by Speciale Invest. The company plans to utilise the funding to broaden its research focus to include rare diseases, expanding on its existing efforts in cancer and inflammation. 

Meanwhile, Indian pharmaceutical giant Cipla has increased its stake in GoApptiv by $5 million (Rs 420 million), reaching a 22.99% ownership. Cipla's continued investment in GoApptiv, a digital pharma solutions provider, aligns with its goal to reach underserved communities in India, enhancing access to medications.

Canada-based health insurance AI company Lydia AI is making strides in South Korea through technology integration partnerships. The company is collaborating with Hecto Data to pilot a smart data ecosystem within insurer Metlife Korea's 360Health application. Additionally, Lydia AI has entered a partnership with Tobecon to integrate its predictive AI capability into insurance software. 

Japanese startup Ubie is set to launch the Android version of its AI-enabled symptom checker app in the United States. Recognised for its AI capability at Google Play's Best of 2023 Awards, the mobile symptom checker has been used over 100 million times since 2020, with over two million uses in the US since its launch last year.