The British Business Bank investment marks a significant milestone in UK life sciences funding, providing £8 million to NRG Therapeutics as part of a groundbreaking £50 million Series B round that promises to accelerate treatments for devastating neurodegenerative conditions.
British Business Bank Investment Strategy
The British Business Bank investment demonstrates strategic support for innovative healthcare solutions. This funding represents part of the bank’s focused approach to scaling UK life sciences breakthroughs. Furthermore, the investment aligns with national priorities in medical research advancement. The British Business Bank investment specifically targets companies with potential for global impact.
NRG Therapeutics’ Revolutionary Approach
NRG Therapeutics developed novel mitochondrial-targeting therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The company’s innovative science addresses mitochondrial dysfunction in neurological conditions. Their lead candidate, NRG5051, shows remarkable neuroprotective effects in pre-clinical studies. Key achievements include:
• Completed IND-enabling work successfully
• Demonstrated reduced neuroinflammation in models
• Showed profound protection of neurons
• Targeted toxic proteins linked to ALS and Parkinson’s
Series B Funding Participants
The £50 million round attracted prestigious international investors alongside the British Business Bank investment. SV Health Investors’ Dementia Discovery Fund led the financing round. Additional participants included M Ventures and Novartis Venture Fund. Criteria Bio Ventures joined existing backers Omega Funds and Brandon Capital. This diverse investor group brings extensive expertise in healthcare innovation.
Clinical Development Timeline
NRG Therapeutics plans first-in-human trials for early 2026. The British Business Bank investment enables clinical proof of concept generation. The company will collect meaningful Parkinson’s patient data simultaneously. This accelerated timeline could bring treatments to patients faster. The funding provides crucial runway for advanced clinical development.
Leadership Perspectives
Dr Neil Miller, NRG’s CEO, emphasized the investment’s importance for patients suffering from neurological diseases. He noted the challenging nature of neurological drug development. However, he highlighted the growing interest due to unmet medical needs. The British Business Bank investment specifically helps address aging population challenges.
Board Expansion and Governance
The Series B round brings new expertise to NRG’s board of directors. Emma Johnson from British Business Bank joins the board. Laurence Barker from SV Health Investors also becomes a director. Charlotte Kremers (M Ventures) and Florian Muellershausen (Novartis Venture Fund) complete the new appointments. This strengthened governance supports the company’s clinical transition.
Market Impact and Future Prospects
The British Business Bank investment positions NRG Therapeutics among UK life science leaders. This funding represents the bank’s 16th direct life sciences investment. The company now joins a portfolio of breakthrough innovations. This support enhances UK’s position in global healthcare innovation. The investment potentially addresses one of world’s largest healthcare challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions does NRG Therapeutics target?
NRG focuses on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neurone disease (MND) and Parkinson’s disease through mitochondrial dysfunction targeting.
How much total funding was raised?
The company secured £50 million in Series B funding, including £8 million from British Business Bank.
When will clinical trials begin?
First-in-human clinical trials for lead candidate NRG5051 are expected to commence in early 2026.
What makes NRG’s approach unique?
The company developed novel mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitors that protect neurons from toxic proteins.
How many life sciences investments has British Business Bank made?
This investment represents the bank’s 16th direct life sciences investment in breakthrough innovations.
Who led the funding round?
SV Health Investors’ Dementia Discovery Fund led the £50 million Series B financing round.
