Omagh-based biotechnology start-up Sonas Pharma has completed a pre-seed investment round to progress research into obesity and epilepsy treatments, according to an Irish News report.

Britain-based SFC Capital led the equity round for the preclinical company, which is developing endocannabinoid system modulators targeting metabolic and neurological conditions. Clarendon Fund Managers participated through co-investment arrangements. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Co-founders Dr Chris Hayes and Dr Emma Cheetham established Sonas as a privately held enterprise advancing pharmaceutical innovation. The capital will progress a CB1-focused metabolic research programme whilst continuing epilepsy discovery platform development. The company will also expand core research capabilities and early translational activities.

"Epilepsy and obesity both represent major unmet medical needs, with epilepsy alone affecting millions worldwide and around 30% of patients not responding to existing treatments," said Dr Hayes. "Sonas is part of a new wave of biotech companies using modern, mechanism‑led pharmacology to unlock validated therapeutic pathways that earlier approaches could not safely target. We aim to build a high‑value R&D base in Northern Ireland focused on innovation, translational capability, and future job creation."

"We're thrilled to have the backing of SFC Capital and Clarendon Fund Managers as we build a new generation of endocannabinoid system therapeutics," Dr Hayes added. "Their support validates our mechanism-first strategy and allows us to advance programs designed to deliver real clinical impact in two areas of huge unmet medical need in epilepsy and obesity."

"Sonas Pharma stands out with its rigorous scientific foundation and clear strategy for addressing major unmet needs in metabolic and neurological disease," said Adam Beveridge, principal at SFC Capital.

Clarendon manages Co-Fund NI, forming part of Invest NI's access-to-finance framework for regional small and medium-sized enterprises.

Review full details on Sonas Pharma's investment round and Northern Ireland biotechnology sector growth in the complete report.