SYDRA AG (Zurich) is a longevity biotech using a phenotype-first, AI-assisted “Hit-to-Target” early drug discovery platform. We discover small molecules (geroprotectors), validate in vivo (worms – aged mice), then map MoA to build partner-ready drug assets; plus science-backed supplements.
Products, services, technology
AI-assisted, phenotype-first drug discovery (“Hit-to-Target”): design/prioritize/generate small molecules, validate in vivo (C. elegans – aged mice), then deconvolute targets/MoA. Services: custom AI screening/transfer learning and C. elegans lifespan/healthspan/toxicity assays.
Cooperation possibilities
Pharma partnering (option-to-license/co-dev) once preclinical packages are ready. Near-term: AI model transfer learning/custom inference for defined phenotypes, and C. elegans in vivo screening (longevity, healthspan, toxicity, motility, fertility) for compound libraries (academics, cosmetics, etc).
- https://sydra.bio/
- +41 77 460 38 34
- Send an email
- Dr. Alexander Dakhovnik
Some insights
We develop therapies that target the biology of aging to delay multiple chronic diseases, extend healthy years, and reduce frailty and healthcare burden. Our science-backed supplements can provide earlier access to validated interventions while drug assets mature.
We were the first worldwide to show that our proprietary AI-model discovered small molecules that extend lifespan in vivo — C. elegans (2023) and elderly mice (2025). Proof that our phenotype-first approach delivers real longevity effects, not just target hypotheses.
Role models: biotech builders who pair rigorous science with relentless execution — e.g., the BioAge team for human-data-driven longevity, and the Recursion/Insilico founders for scaling computation + wet lab into real drug programs.
Strengths: deep aging biology (gerontology) and in vivo validation (worms→aged mice) plus advanced ML/AI (Telecom Paris). Next hires: medicinal chemistry/ADMET & PK, translational disease biology, and senior BD/partnering to package and out-license assets.
30% of the time, looking for investments
20% of time organizing the pipeline, processing documents
50% of the time - doing something complicated in the lab with machines, pipets, and microscopes :)
Access to affordable vivarium capacity, introductions to longevity-focused biotech investors, and help securing Swiss non-dilutive funding. Support with regulatory and IP services (patents, contracts) would accelerate partner-ready packages.
Longevity/AI-biotech VCs.
Medicinal chemistry and chemoinformatics experts.
Swiss grant bodies/non-dilutive programs.
