Cambridge, UK, [Date] – o2h Discovery, a leading integrated drug discovery CRO, today announces the launch of the latest edition of o2h Kickstarter Award for Peptide, a dedicated programme/Award designed to support early-stage biotech companies advancing peptide-based therapeutics.

Building on the success of the o2h Kickstarter Award, which has supported more than 40 early-stage biotech companies globally since 2022, o2h Discovery is now expanding its flagship initiative to address the growing demand for peptide drug discovery expertise. The Peptide Kickstarter Award is purpose-built for startups working on peptide-based programmes who need access to high-quality synthesis, early ADME profiling, and structured scientific support to generate meaningful data and move programmes forward efficiently. To know more about the programme, please click here: www.o2hdiscovery.co/o2h-kickstarter-peptide/

Addressing a Growing Need in Peptide Therapeutics

The programme is delivered across two stages, each designed to move participating companies from early hypothesis validation toward meaningful candidate progression.

Stage 1 includes the synthesis of 100 high-purity peptides across linear and cyclic formats, alongside 25 ADME data points to assess permeability, stability, and solubility.

Stage 2 provides extended optimisation support through dedicated FTE engagement for up to six months, along with an additional 75 ADME data points, enabling deeper profiling and de-risking of the most promising candidates before committing further resources.

Winners can also extend their programme with additional biology support at 20% reduced cost, spanning target engagement, validation, and assay development.

Benefits for Selected Startups

Selected companies will receive a combination of scientific and operational support across both stages:

• Peptide Synthesis: 100 peptides across linear, cyclic, stapled, and constrained formats
• ADME Profiling: 100 data points included across both stages (25 data points in Stage 1 and an additional 75 data points in Stage 2)
• Biology Support: FTE access at 20% reduced cost
• Project Management: End-to-end scientific support

Speaking on the launch, Sunil Shah, Co-founder, o2h Discovery, said:

Through the o2h Kickstarter programme, we have supported over 40 early-stage biotech startups globally in accelerating discovery and reaching critical scientific and funding milestones. With the growing importance of peptide therapeutics, we are seeing increasing demand from founders looking for structured support to generate meaningful data early. Through this Peptide Kickstarter edition, we aim to bring together our synthesis, ADME, and integrated discovery expertise to help emerging biotech companies progress their programmes with greater clarity and confidence.

Application Process

Applications are now open. Eligible biotech startups can apply via: www.o2hdiscovery.co/o2h-kickstarter-peptide/

Editor’s Notes

About the o2h Kickstarter Award 

Launched in 2022, the o2h Kickstarter Award provides additional discovery support to early-stage biotech companies seeking to advance their drug discovery programmes. To date, the programme has completed eight editions and supported more than 40 biotech startups globally across the UK, USA, Australia, Israel, and Europe. To read more, please visit: https://o2h.com/the-o2h-kickstarter-competition/ 

About o2h Discovery 

Established in 2005, o2h Discovery operates a multimodality integrated drug discovery platform across Cambridge, UK and Ahmedabad, India. From our state-of-the-art biotechnology incubator, we support drug discovery programmes from hit identification through lead optimisation and into patent and IND filing.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in medicinal & synthetic chemistry, PR&D and scaleup, biology, DMPK, and pre-clinical project management, giving you an outstanding drug discovery service from hit identification to IND filing.

 For more information, visit: www.o2hdiscovery.co

Media Contact 

Mayank Gupta
Manager – Marketing
mayank.gupta@o2h.com