Draig Therapeutics: $140M to Advance Neuropsychiatric Drug Trials
Draig Therapeutics ignited with a meaningful $140 million investment, designed to propel its pioneering work in neuropsychiatric disorder treatments. This funding supports the development of innovative therapies targeting crucial neurotransmitter imbalances, specifically glutamate and GABA. The company’s lead program, DT-101, is poised to enter Phase 2 trials for major depressive disorder later this year. Explore how this funding from access Biotechnology and others will accelerate the pursuit of new, safer treatments. Discover the latest developments in the field, as highlighted by News Directory 3, and learn about Draig’s approach to revolutionizing care. Discover what’s next …
draig Therapeutics Secures $140M for Neuropsychiatric Therapies
Updated June 20, 2025
Draig Therapeutics, focused on developing new drugs for neuropsychiatric disorders, has emerged from stealth mode with $140 million in funding. The company aims to provide safer and more effective alternatives to current medicines.
The company’s approach involves modulating the balance between glutamate and GABA, two neurotransmitters linked to mood disorders. Their lead program, DT-101, is a next-generation positive allosteric modulator of AMPA, a glutamate receptor. Targeting this receptor has been challenging due to its widespread presence in the brain, which can lead to adverse effects.
Draig reports that DT-101 is designed to modulate AMPA effectively without compromising safety. A Phase 1a trial involving more than 60 participants showed the drug engaged its target. Detailed results are expected to be presented at an upcoming scientific meeting.Encouraged by these findings, draig plans to advance DT-101 into a Phase 2 trial for major depressive disorder later this year. The funding will also support the development of two GABAA receptor modulators for various neuropsychiatric disorders.
Draig Therapeutics is a collaboration between Cardiff University’s Medicines Revelation Institute and SV Health Investors. The company, named after the Welsh word for dragon, was initially funded by seed financing from SV Health Investors and ICG last year.The recent Series A financing was led by access Biotechnology, with participation from Canaan Partners, SR One, Sanofi Ventures, Schroders Capital, SV Health Investors, and ICG.
Liam Ratcliffe, head of Access Biotechnology, said that despite available treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders, many patients still experience inadequate symptom relief and high relapse rates. He added that Draig’s approach, which targets core mechanisms underlying these complex conditions, has the potential to deliver a real breakthrough for patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.
Other Life sciences Funding News
In other recent life sciences funding news:
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Antares Therapeutics secured $177 million to advance a preclinical pipeline of assets from Scorpion Therapeutics, following Eli Lilly’s acquisition of Scorpion.
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- Mosanna Therapeutics launched with $80 million to fund Phase 2 development of MOS118, a nasal spray treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
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AusperBio raised $50 million to continue Phase 2 development of AHB-137, an oligonucleotide for a functional cure for hepatitis B.
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Syndeio Biosciences launched with $90 million to support therapies targeting synaptic function in central nervous system diseases.