NRG Therapeutics has successfully raised $67 million in Series B funding, led by SV Health Investors’ Dementia Discovery Fund, with participation from international investors and Parkinson’s UK, to advance its clinical development of innovative neurodegenerative disease therapies.

The company is developing NRG5051, a first-in-class oral inhibitor targeting the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), which aims to protect neurons by preventing mitochondrial damage caused by toxic proteins in diseases like ALS, Parkinson’s, and dementia.

Preclinical studies suggest that NRG’s inhibitors can prevent mitochondrial dysfunction, a key factor in neuronal death driven by toxic proteins such as α-synuclein and TDP-43, which are linked to Parkinson’s and ALS.

The new funding will support the clinical proof of concept for NRG5051 in ALS/MND and gather meaningful data for Parkinson’s disease, with the ultimate goal of developing disease-modifying therapies rather than just symptom management.

Support from the UK’s British Business Bank highlights efforts to scale innovative life sciences solutions to address major healthcare challenges, including neurodegenerative diseases.

Emma Johnson of the Bank emphasized their support for NRG’s clinical progress, marking it as the 16th direct investment in UK life sciences, and noted the addition of new board members to facilitate the company’s transition into clinical trials.

NRG’s overarching aim is to develop therapies that modify disease progression, addressing a significant unmet medical need as the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases continues to rise.

Based in Stevenage, UK, NRG has garnered additional support from various foundations dedicated to neurodegenerative research, reinforcing its commitment to advancing treatment options.

CEO Neil Miller emphasized the company’s goal to expand beyond ALS/MND into Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases by leveraging its novel biological targets.

ALS/MND remains a primary focus due to its rapid progression and limited treatment options, with recent FDA approval of a genetic-specific drug highlighting the urgent need for new therapies.

NRG plans to develop additional small molecule drugs for other indications, including Parkinson’s, by utilizing its innovative biological approach.

The Series B funding will also bolster NRG’s leadership with new board members from investor organizations and include Professor David Dexter of Parkinson’s UK as a special advisor to guide research efforts.

Industry experts express confidence that NRG’s approach, supported by strong preclinical data, could potentially slow or halt disease progression across multiple neurodegenerative disorders, possibly becoming the first disease-modifying therapy for conditions like ALS and dementia.