Funding Announcement for Draig Therapeutics' $140 Million Series A Investment in the USA
In a significant boost for the UK life sciences sector, Draig Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech firm based in the UK, has secured a Series A investment worth US$140 million. This investment, received in 2025, follows the company's inception in 2024 as a collaboration between Cardiff University's Medicines Discovery Institute and SV Health Investors.
The funding will primarily support Draig Therapeutics in advancing its lead drug candidate, DT-101, into Phase 2 trials for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) this year. DT-101 is a next-generation AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM) designed to effectively modulate the AMPA receptor without compromising safety.
Following successful completion of Phase 1a trials with positive results, demonstrating target engagement using magnetoencephalography in over 60 subjects, DT-101 is set to make a significant impact in the treatment of MDD.
In addition to DT-101, Draig Therapeutics is developing two other drug candidates focusing on GABA_A receptors. These candidates are currently in preclinical development and are planned to enter clinical trials by 2026, targeting a range of prevalent and underserved neuropsychiatric disorders.
The Series A investment round was led by Access Biotechnology and included participation from Sanofi Ventures, Canaan Partners, Schroders Capital, SR One, and SV Health Investors. This syndicate of investors reflects the confidence in Draig Therapeutics' innovative approach to transforming the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases.
Elinor Picton, a corporate partner at the firm, expressed pleasure at working with the investors involved, stating, "This investment is a testament to the potential of Draig Therapeutics and the groundbreaking work we are doing to address the significant unmet needs in neuropsychiatric disease treatment."
Helen Farr, Jordan Buckle, Adrian Toutoungi, Charlie Adams, Nick Vollers, Ross McNaughton, Ed Chapman, Clover May, and Ann Casey provided various legal and advisory services to Draig Therapeutics during the transaction. Elinor Picton and Oli Denne led the Corporate team in the transaction.
Eliott Michaelson Taylor and Ann Casey provided Tax & Incentives advice, ensuring the transaction was structured in a manner that maximises the benefits for Draig Therapeutics and its investors.
The transaction represents a significant example of US investment into the UK life sciences sector and underscores the strength of the UK's innovation ecosystem. With its promising pipeline of drug candidates and the support of its investors, Draig Therapeutics is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases.
- The Series A investment of $140 million, led by Access Biotechnology in 2025, will mainly fund Draig Therapeutics' advancement of its lead drug candidate, DT-101, into Phase 2 trials for Major Depressive Disorder.
- DT-101, designed as a next-generation AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM), is poised to make a significant impact in the treatment of MDD, following successful completion of Phase 1a trials.
- In addition to DT-101, Draig Therapeutics is developing two other drug candidates focusing on GABA_A receptors, planned for clinical trials by 2026, targeting various neuropsychiatric disorders.
- The syndicate of investors involved, including Access Biotechnology, Sanofi Ventures, Canaan Partners, Schroders Capital, SR One, and SV Health Investors, demonstrate their confidence in Draig Therapeutics' innovative approach to transforming the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases.
- Elinor Picton, a corporate partner, expressed pleasure in working with investors and stated that the investment is a testament to the potential of Draig Therapeutics and its groundbreaking work in addressing significant unmet needs in neuropsychiatric disease treatment.
- The transaction, which underscores the strength of the UK's innovation ecosystem, is a significant example of US investment into the UK life sciences sector, providing both Draig Therapeutics and its investors with optimal financial benefits through tax and incentive advice from Eliott Michaelson Taylor and Ann Casey.
