Draig Therapeutics develops novel neuromodulators targeting Glutamate and GABA systems to restore synaptic balance in the central nervous system. Their pipeline of small molecules, including AMPA receptor PAMs and GABA A receptor NAMs/PAMs, aims to provide improved efficacy and tolerability for neuropsychiatric disorders like Major Depressive Disorder.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
A significant portion of patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), experience inadequate symptom relief and suboptimal outcomes with current therapeutic options. This unmet need stems from limitations in the efficacy and tolerability profiles of existing treatments, leading to poor patient compliance and persistent disease burden.
Solution
Draig Therapeutics is developing a pipeline of targeted neuromodulators designed to restore synaptic balance in the central nervous system. The company's approach focuses on precisely modulating key neurotransmitter systems, specifically Glutamate and GABA, to address the underlying pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric conditions. By developing novel small molecules with improved therapeutic windows and receptor selectivity, Draig aims to provide transformative treatment options for patients with debilitating neurological and psychiatric disorders. Their lead candidate, DT-101, is an AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator engineered for enhanced safety and efficacy in MDD.
Target Audience
Draig Therapeutics targets patients suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders, with an initial focus on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The company's therapeutic candidates are intended for individuals who have not achieved sufficient symptom relief or experience significant side effects with existing treatments.
Features
- **DT-101**: A next-generation AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM) for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), designed with a significantly wider therapeutic window than previous AMPAR PAMs to ensure effective modulation without compromising safety and tolerability. DT-101 is advancing to Phase 2 clinical trials.
- **DT-201**: A highly selective negative allosteric modulator (NAM) targeting α5-GABA A receptors, intended for various neuropsychiatric disorders. Planned for Phase 1 studies in 2026.
- **DT-301**: A selective positive allosteric modulator (PAM) for α2/α3-GABA A receptor subtypes, designed to offer an improved safety and tolerability profile by avoiding modulation of α1 and α5 subtypes associated with adverse effects like sedation and cognitive impairment. Planned for Phase 1 studies in 2026.
- **Mechanism of Action**: Focus on restoring synaptic balance by modulating Glutamate (excitatory) and GABA (inhibitory) neurotransmission, which are critical for maintaining central nervous system function.
- **Targeted Receptor Modulation**: Development of compounds with precise selectivity for specific receptor subtypes (e.g., AMPA, α5-GABA A, α2/α3-GABA A) to optimize therapeutic benefit and minimize off-target effects.