Artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of therapeutic development by drastically shortening drug discovery timelines—from the decade-long norm to just a few months. Within this rapidly evolving field, a subset of startups is using next-gen computational methods to pinpoint breakthrough therapies faster and more efficiently.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of therapeutic development by drastically shortening drug discovery timelines, from the decade-long norm to just a few months. Within this rapidly evolving field, a subset of startups is using next-gen computational methods to pinpoint breakthrough therapies faster and more efficiently.

Why AI for DNA-Damage Response (DDR) Matters

DNA-damage response mechanisms are critical in cancer biology. It's estimated that roughly 75% of solid tumors exhibit DDR deficiencies, making them prime targets for new treatments. With the global DDR drug market projected to reach $18 billion annually by 2030, pharma giants like Novartis and Sanofi are investing heavily, signing multi-billion dollar DDR-focused deals. This surge in interest highlights a clear opportunity: leveraging AI to identify and develop novel DDR-targeted cancer therapies.

Rakovina Therapeutics: A Rising Star in AI-Driven Oncology

In this competitive landscape, Rakovina Therapeutics (TSX-V: RKV) has emerged as a standout player by combining two powerful AI platforms: Deep Docking and Variational AI Enki.

Deep Docking enables ultra-high-throughput screening of billions of compounds, offering up to 6,000x enrichment in candidate selection and accelerating timelines by 100x compared to traditional methods. Variational AI Enki complements this by designing entirely new molecules tailored to specific biological targets, further boosting innovation and pipeline depth.

These capabilities have enabled Rakovina to compress drug discovery from years to months, giving it a clear first-mover advantage.

From UBC Blueprint to Commercial Pipeline

Rakovina’s approach builds on a proven model from the University of British Columbia. The original Deep Docking platform helped discover a compound that was later licensed to Roche in a $142 million deal — the largest such transaction in UBC’s history. Today, Rakovina holds an exclusive license to the second-generation system, fueling its accelerated DDR-focused drug pipeline.

The company's current preclinical efforts include:

• kt-3000 series: A lead candidate targeting hard-to-treat cancers like breast, ovarian, prostate, and brain tumors

• kt-2000 and kt-5000 series: Early-stage programs leveraging AI-optimized chemistry with CNS-penetrant profiles

Access to UBC’s cutting-edge wet-lab infrastructure enables rapid validation of AI-generated candidates, bridging the gap between computation and real-world experimentation.

Funding, Partnerships, and Leadership

Rakovina secured $5 million in financing in 2024, giving it a stable runway to advance its programs. The company also maintains strategic scientific partnerships with UBC and pioneered platforms like Deep Docking, co-founded by Dr. Artem Cherkasov.

The leadership and scientific teams include seasoned experts such as:

• Jeffrey Bacha, BSc, MBA – Executive Chairman with 25+ years in biotech

• Mads Daugaard, PhD – President & CSO, specializing in DDR mechanisms

• John Langlands, PhD – COO, experienced in therapeutic pipeline development

Rakovina is also advised by leading scientists, including Dr. Artem Cherkasov, creator of Deep Docking, and Dr. Petra Hamerlik, former DDR program director at AstraZeneca.

Spotlight: AACR 2025 Presentation

Rakovina has been selected to present its latest preclinical data at the 2025 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, highlighting two novel programs:

• PARP1-selective inhibitors tailored for brain tumors

• CNS-penetrant ATR inhibitors targeting central nervous system indications

Why Rakovina Stands Out

• Speed & efficiency: AI-driven platforms deliver unmatched discovery throughput

• Proven track record: A $142 million licensing deal via UBC validates the technology

• Focused pipeline: Multiple DDR compounds moving rapidly toward clinical development

• Strong partnerships: Exclusive AI licensing from UBC and deep scientific collaborations

• Financially positioned: Funded in 2024 and exploring global listings

A Glimpse Ahead

As AI continues to reshape oncology R&D, companies like Rakovina exemplify how combining powerful computation with deep biological insight can accelerate the next generation of cancer therapies. With a robust DDR pipeline, strategic collaborations, and proven technology, Rakovina Therapeutics is poised to play a pivotal role in the AI-powered future of cancer treatment.