About Us
CuraGen AI exists to design disease-modifying small molecules for hard-to-treat cancers, Alzheimer’s disease and endocrinological disorders. Our mission is to accelerate target-to-lead discovery by fusing generative AI with deep biology and structure-based validation—delivering better candidates faster and more efficiently.
Our Story
CuraGen AI was born from a simple idea: drug discovery should move at the speed of insight. After two decades advancing oncology, clinical development, and data science, our founder created CureRx™, a proprietary modular platform that combines generative AI with physics-based validation—including docking, molecular dynamics, and binding-energy estimation—to design and prioritize novel small molecules with developability in mind. We integrate state-of-the-art structure prediction, scaffold generation, and ADMET optimization into rapid Design→Make→Test→Learn loops, accelerating discovery from weeks to days and translating concepts into high-confidence, assay-ready candidates.
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Our focus spans oncology Alzheimer’s disease and endocrinological disorders —areas where precision and speed matter most. With a trusted network of CRO partners and biomarker-anchored go/no-go gates, we aim to de-risk programs earlier, build strong IP, and advance first-in-class therapies faster and more cost-effectively. If you’re building the future of medicines, we’d love to build it with you.
Sharad Agarwal
Sharad Agarwal is an AI-native drug discovery leader with 20+ years across oncology, data science, and clinical development. As the Founder of CuraGen AI Labs, he is building CureRx, a biology-first platform that integrates generative chemistry with structure-based validation (docking and molecular dynamics) to accelerate small-molecule discovery from target biology to in-vitro / in-vivo proof-of-concept. He has translated biological hypotheses into druggable, experiment-ready molecules, and delivered partner-grade execution across preclinical and regulatory pathways. Previously, he held leadership roles at Janssen (J&J) and Bayer, with FDA/EMA submission experience, including contributions to the approval of Rybrevant®.
Amrit Bhangoo
Dr. Bhangoo is a pediatric endocrinology leader with 20+ years’ clinical experience. He serves as Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UC Irvine and Section Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology at Children’s Hospital of Orange County. His clinical and research interests span PCOS, premature adrenarche, glucocorticoid resistance, Noonan syndrome, achondroplasia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and the endocrine effects of bone marrow transplantation. He has authored 50+ peer-reviewed publications, written five book chapters, and edited a medical textbook on Noonan syndrome. A frequent reviewer and editorial board member across multiple journals, he also serves on the board of the Human Growth Foundation.
Rory Popert
Rory Popert is a life sciences and technology leader with 15+ years’ experience spanning academia, industry, and start-ups. He has led national-scale precision medicine and genomics programmes, built AI-enabled data platforms, and advised C-suite leaders on strategy, innovation, and commercialisation. As Co-Founder of Unison, Rory develops solutions for complex data federation and interoperability in biopharma and research. He also serves on advisory boards for multiple deep-tech and biotech ventures, including CuraGenAI.
Rick Popert
Dr. Popert is a senior consultant urological surgeon at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and a national leader in prostate cancer diagnosis and minimally invasive urological surgery. He pioneered adoption of transperineal prostate biopsy and helped shape modern prostate cancer diagnostic pathways within the NHS, with a focus on improving accuracy, safety, and patient experience.
