Draig Therapeutics Launches with $140 Million to Tackle Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Deal News | Jun 18, 2025 | SV Health Investors, LLC
Draig Therapeutics, co-founded by Cardiff University's Medicine Discovery Institute and SV Health Investors, has launched from stealth with a substantial $140 million investment. The clinical-stage company, featuring a world-class team, is set to transform treatments in neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly focusing on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The recent financing was led by Access Biotechnology with contributions from top-tier investors, including Canaan Partners, SR One, Sanofi Ventures, and Schroders Capital, building on initial seed funding provided by SV Health Investors and ICG. Draig's innovative approach targets core neurotransmission pathways, with its lead candidate, DT-101, advancing to Phase 2 trials in 2025. The funds will also enable the development of selective GABAA receptor modulators, expanding their pipeline for prevalent neuropsychiatric disorders. The company's leadership, including Professors John Atack and Simon Ward, represents significant expertise in CNS drug development, cementing Draig's role as an impactful player in future neuropsychiatric treatments.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Healthcare
- Private Equity and Venture Capital
Geography
- United Kingdom – Draig Therapeutics is based in Cardiff, UK, and the article highlights the collaboration with Cardiff University.
- United States – Several participants, including investors like Canaan Partners and Access Biotechnology, are based in the U.S.
Industry
- Biotechnology – The development of next-generation therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders involves advanced biotechnological research and drug development.
- Healthcare – The article focuses on healthcare innovations, particularly in addressing unmet needs in neuropsychiatric disorder management.
- Private Equity and Venture Capital – The article discusses extensive PE and VC investments sourced from various firms to launch Draig Therapeutics.
Financials
- $140 Million – The total investment raised by Draig Therapeutics to advance its clinical-stage pipeline.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draig Therapeutics | Target company | Company | A clinical-stage company focusing on neuropsychiatric disorder treatments, co-founded by Cardiff University and SV Health Investors. |
| Access Biotechnology | Lead investor in Series A | Company | The life science investment arm of Access Industries, leading the Series A financing for Draig. |
| SV Health Investors | Co-founder and seed investor | Company | A healthcare fund manager that co-founded Draig and led seed financing. |
| ICG | Seed investor | Company | A global alternative asset manager that provided initial seed funding alongside SV Health Investors. |
| Cardiff University | Partner institution | Institution | Home to Draig's scientific founders, Professors John Atack and Simon Ward. |
| Liam Ratcliffe | Quote provider | Person | Head of Access Biotechnology, quoted on the potential impact of Draig's therapies. |
| John Atack | Co-founder and Chief Translational Officer | Person | Professor at Cardiff University and one of the scientific founders of Draig. |
| Simon Ward | Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer | Person | Professor at Cardiff University and one of the scientific founders of Draig. |
| Ruth McKernan | Venture Partner at SV Health and Executive Chair at Draig | Person | Co-founder involved in Draig's creation and strategic development. |
| Samantha Budd Haeberlein | Former Chief Medical Officer of Draig | Person | Venture Partner at ICG, notably contributing to Draig's strategic direction. |