Collaboration targets next-generation brain drug discovery

Deep Science Ventures (DSV) and Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC) have formed a strategic collaboration to address one of the most persistent challenges in drug development: delivering therapeutics across the blood–brain barrier to the central nervous system (CNS).

The partnership brings together DSV’s venture creation model with MDC’s drug discovery expertise to identify and develop new approaches for brain-targeted medicines. The initiative will begin with a review of the current CNS therapeutics landscape to highlight gaps in brain-entry technologies and potential areas for innovation.

Neurological diseases remain a major global health burden, with CNS disorders affecting more than 40% of the world’s population. Despite significant progress in identifying disease targets, effective delivery of treatments into the brain continues to limit therapeutic development, particularly in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and brain cancers.

The collaboration aims to address this gap by de-risking early-stage innovation and supporting the development of technologies that could progress into new venture opportunities, including pre-seed funding for selected concepts.

Adam Tomassi-Russell, Senior Director at Deep Science Ventures, said:

“The blood–brain barrier remains one of the most complex challenges in modern medicine. By combining our venture creation expertise with MDC’s discovery capabilities, we can create an environment where new ideas for CNS delivery can be developed and tested more effectively.”

Dr Nicola Heron, Chief Strategy Officer at Medicines Discovery Catapult, said:

“This collaboration provides an opportunity to identify and advance technologies that could significantly improve outcomes for patients. By strengthening the CNS innovation ecosystem, we can help accelerate the path from discovery to impact.”

The partnership is expected to support the development of new approaches to CNS drug delivery and help translate early-stage science into commercially viable therapeutic strategies.

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