Draig Therapeutics Secures Landmark $140 Million Investment for Neuropsychiatric Therapies
Deal News | Jun 19, 2025 | SETsquared
Cardiff University's spin-out company, Draig Therapeutics, has garnered a $140 million investment to advance novel therapies addressing neuropsychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder. Leading international venture investors partnered with the Medicines Discovery Institute at Cardiff University, alongside SV Health Investors, Access Biotechnology, and others, to propel Draig Therapeutics as a clinical-stage company. The investment marks the largest commercial investment into Welsh research yet, focusing on the Glutamate and GABA pathways in the brain to pioneer effective treatment options. This initiative signifies a critical stride towards alleviating unmet needs in neuropsychiatric disorder treatments. Prof. Simon Ward and Prof. John Atack's groundbreaking research forms the foundation of Draig Therapeutics, with strategic support from SETsquared Partnership, contributing to an ongoing wave of successful spin-outs from UK universities. The investment will channel into progressing Draig's candidate drug, DT-101, into Phase 2 trials by 2025.
Sectors
- Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
- Higher Education & Research
- Venture Capital
Geography
- Wales, United Kingdom – The article centers on Draig Therapeutics, a spin-out from Cardiff University in Wales, marking a significant commercial investment into Welsh research.
- United States – Several key investors, like Access Biotechnology, involved in Draig Therapeutics' funding are based in the United States.
Industry
- Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology – The article discusses the development of novel therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders by Draig Therapeutics, a biotech spin-out from Cardiff University.
- Higher Education & Research – Cardiff University’s Medicines Discovery Institute is a central participant in the research and development of therapies that led to creating Draig Therapeutics.
- Venture Capital – Venture investors play a crucial role in funding Draig Therapeutics, highlighting the involvement of firms specializing in venture capital.
Financials
- $140 million – The investment amount secured by Draig Therapeutics for advancing new therapies in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draig Therapeutics | Target company | Company | A Cardiff University spin-out focused on developing therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders. |
| Cardiff University | Research institution & founding entity | Organization | The university's Medicines Discovery Institute initiated Draig Therapeutics based on its research expertise. |
| Access Biotechnology | Lead Investor | Company | A venture capital firm leading the investment in Draig Therapeutics. |
| SV Health Investors | Investor & Partner | Company | A venture capital firm partnering in the establishment and funding of Draig Therapeutics. |
| SETsquared Partnership | Supporting organization | Organization | A collaboration of UK universities fostering spin-out successes, including Draig Therapeutics. |
| Professor Simon Ward | Founding researcher | Person | A key researcher from Cardiff University's Medicines Discovery Institute. |
| Professor John Atack | Founding researcher | Person | A key researcher from Cardiff University's Medicines Discovery Institute. |